Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for South Fulton
Georgia municipal collections typically run weekly. Your exact service day is determined by your local county or city zoning schedule.
State Mandate
EPD laws restrict yard trimmings from being mixed with general household garbage.
City-issued Cart (Branded) Bin (Trash)
Only carts featuring the official City of South Fulton logo will be serviced. Trash must fit inside with the lid closed. Excess bags left on the ground will be ignored.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Standard non-recyclable packaging
No curbside bin provided Bin (Recycling)
Curbside recycling is not currently offered. Residents must self-transport their recyclables to the Merk Miles Citizens Convenience Center.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics
- ✓Paper and flattened cardboard
- ✓Metals (at drop-off location)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Food-soiled materials
- ✕Hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is NOT included in basic city service. It is strictly banned from monthly bulk pickups. You must arrange independent service directly with Waste Pro.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once per month, determined by your City Council District week.
Placement
Place items curbside on Sunday evening. Collection will occur anytime between Monday and Friday of your scheduled week. Do not place items out more than 48 hours before the pickup week.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and car seats
- ✓ Large household appliances (stoves, washers, dryers)
- ✓ Hot water tanks
Not Accepted
- ✕ Yard debris
- ✕ Cardboard of any size
- ✕ Tires and car batteries
- ✕ Construction materials
- ✕ Propane tanks and glass/mirrors
This monthly bulk collection is included in your $275 annual solid waste fee, provided you stay within the 2-item limit and schedule it in advance.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When an observed holiday falls on a weekday, all collection routes for that day and the remainder of the week will be pushed back by exactly one day, with Friday routes running on Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste is independently contracted, but Waste Pro typically applies the exact same holiday shift to all supplemental services.
Always check the City of South Fulton's News Flash webpage for real-time updates regarding specific holiday schedule adjustments.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Do Not Mix Yard Debris with Bulk Items
Never place tree limbs, grass bags, or general yard debris next to your scheduled bulk furniture. Waste Pro crews will reject the entire pile, as yard waste requires entirely different disposal methods.
Remove Refrigerator Doors
If you are placing a refrigerator or freezer out for your monthly bulk pickup, city ordinance requires you to completely remove the doors to prevent accidental child entrapment.
Appliance Refrigerants Must Be Tagged
Air conditioners and refrigerators will not be collected unless all freon/refrigerant has been professionally evacuated. A certified technician's verification tag must be visibly attached to the appliance.
Seasonal Information
Summer
June to JulyThe annual solid waste invoice is mailed out by the Fulton County Tax Commissioner around June 1st and is due by July 31st. Ensure your payment is processed to avoid service interruptions or tax liens.
Fall/Winter Holidays
November to JanuaryDuring major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, Waste Pro operates on a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. The Merk Miles Convenience Center also closes on these observed holidays.
Year-Round
All YearIf you plan to utilize the Merk Miles Convenience Center for recycling, be aware that the facility is strictly closed on Sundays and Mondays. Plan your drop-offs between Tuesday and Saturday.
About South Fulton Waste Management
South Fulton’s Mandatory 2026 Solid Waste Fee Structure
The City of South Fulton operates a mandatory residential solid waste program where services are standardized citywide. To keep up with rising operational costs, the city instituted an updated annual fee of $275 in 2026. This fee covers weekly household trash collection and monthly bulk item pickups. Residents cannot opt out of this program or independently hire private haulers for standard household garbage, and the annual invoice is billed directly by the Fulton County Tax Commissioner.
Navigating the Lack of Curbside Recycling
It is important for eco-conscious residents to understand that the City of South Fulton currently does not offer curbside recycling as part of its basic residential package. Instead, the city relies on the Merk Miles Citizens Convenience Center located on Merk Road. This drop-off facility is free for residents and serves as the primary municipal hub for processing clean recyclables and complex electronics, helping keep valuable materials out of Georgia landfills.
Zone-Based Monthly Bulk Waste Collections
One of the major perks of South Fulton's Waste Pro contract is the free monthly bulk item collection, but it requires strict adherence to a zone-based schedule. Pickups are determined by your City Council District—for example, Districts 1 and 2 are serviced the first full week of the month, while Districts 6 and 7 are serviced the fourth week. You must proactively call or submit an online request by the Wednesday before your designated collection week to guarantee service.
City-Owned Carts and the TracEZ System
If you are moving out of your home in South Fulton, do not take your rolling garbage cart with you! All solid waste carts are the exclusive property of the city and must remain at the assigned address. If you move into a new construction home, you can request cart delivery using the city's third-party tracking system, TracEZ. Interestingly, if your cart is ever stolen, the city requires you to formally file an online police report before they will dispatch a replacement.
Yard Waste Requires Separate Private Arrangements
While your annual $275 fee covers standard garbage and heavy household furniture, it explicitly excludes yard debris. Leaves, grass clippings, and tree branches are strictly prohibited from being mixed into your standard bulk waste pile. If you have significant landscaping debris, you must either compost it on your property, haul it away, or contact Waste Pro directly to request and pay for supplemental yard debris collection services.
Drop-off Facilities
Merk Miles Citizens Convenience Center
3225 Merk Road, South Fulton, GA 30349
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of paying the City of South Fulton solid waste fee?
No. Under City Ordinance 6-2003, residential solid waste service is mandatory for all occupants and property owners. You cannot opt out, even if the property is currently unoccupied or if you hire a private company.
How do I get a recycling bin in South Fulton?
The City of South Fulton does not currently provide curbside recycling bins or residential recycling collection. To recycle, residents must take their materials directly to the Merk Miles Citizens Convenience Center on Merk Road.
When is my bulk trash pickup day?
Bulk pickup is a monthly service based on your City Council District. Districts 1 and 2 are the 1st full week, District 4 is the 2nd week, Districts 3 and 5 are the 3rd week, and Districts 6 and 7 are the 4th week. You must call 470-552-4311 by the Wednesday prior to schedule it.
What should I do if my city garbage cart is stolen?
Because the carts are the property of the City of South Fulton, you must first file an online police report documenting the theft. Once you receive your report number, contact the Community Relations & Services team so they can order a replacement cart for your address.