7 Critical Updates To The City Of Atlanta Garbage Pickup Schedule & Rules For 2025

Navigating the intricacies of the City of Atlanta’s Solid Waste Services is crucial for every resident, especially with the latest adjustments and schedules for the 2025 service year. As of today, December 17, 2025, the Department of Public Works (DPW) Office of Solid Waste Services (SWS) has finalized key dates, new rate information, and updated guidelines for everything from weekly residential garbage pickup to specialized bulk waste removal.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the most critical and recent updates, ensuring you avoid missed collections, understand the new holiday schedule, and know exactly how to dispose of large items or hazardous materials. Staying informed about these regulations is the first step to maintaining a clean community and avoiding potential fines from the City of Atlanta.

Key Entities and Contact Information for Atlanta Solid Waste Services

The City of Atlanta's residential environmental services are managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW), specifically through the Office of Solid Waste Services (SWS). Over 100,000 Atlanta households rely on these services for garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection. Understanding the core entities and how to reach them is vital for reporting issues or scheduling special pickups.

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• Department of Public Works (DPW): The overarching department responsible for solid waste services, including garbage, yard waste, and recycling, as well as fleet services.
• Office of Solid Waste Services (SWS): The specific office within the DPW that directly manages and executes residential collection services.
• ATL311 Customer Service: The primary contact point for residents to report missed garbage collection, missed yard trimmings, schedule bulk collections, and ask questions.
• ATL311 Contact Number: Residents in need of additional assistance can contact the City of Atlanta by dialing 311 or 404-546-0311 from outside city limits.
• Solid Waste Collection Tool: An online resource provided by SWS to help residents view their specific collection schedules.
• Atlanta Recycles Day: A monthly event for drop-off of specific items, held on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• City of Atlanta City Council: The legislative body that reviews and adopts legislation, such as the 2025 Solid Waste Rate adjustments (e.g., legislation 24-O-1214).
• SMART Waste Management: A proposed program concept aimed at incentivizing residents to reduce and recycle by potentially charging per unit for trash disposal.

The Definitive City of Atlanta 2025 Holiday Collection Schedule

Holiday disruptions are the most common cause of confusion and missed pickups for Atlanta residents. The Office of Solid Waste Services operates on a modified schedule during major holidays, which typically results in a one-day delay for collections following the holiday. Understanding the 2025 schedule is essential for planning your set-out times.

Key 2025 Holiday Collection Delays:

For most holidays, if your scheduled collection day falls on the holiday, your pickup will be delayed by one day, with Friday collections occurring on Saturday. The regular schedule resumes the following Monday.

• New Year's Holiday (Wednesday, 1/1/2025): Wednesday pickup will be on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, 1/20/2025): This holiday results in a one-day delay for all collections that week.
• Presidents' Day (Monday, 2/17/2025): Collection will follow a regular schedule.
• Memorial Day: Follows a one-day delay schedule (check the ATL311 tool for exact dates).
• Regular Collection Resumption: The regular solid waste collection schedule is set to resume on Monday, September 8, 2025, after the Labor Day holiday, and again on Monday, December 1, 2025, after Thanksgiving.

Pro Tip: To avoid any confusion, always check the official Solid Waste Services Collection Tool online or download the City of Atlanta Solid Waste Services app for collection notifications and reminders directly on your phone.

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Mandatory Rules for Curbside Garbage and Recycling Placement

Compliance with placement rules is non-negotiable to ensure collection and prevent fines. The City of Atlanta enforces strict guidelines regarding when and where your waste containers must be placed.

The 7 PM Rule and Set-Out Requirements:

The most crucial rule is the timing of placement. Garbage and recycling carts should not be placed on the curb before 7 PM the day before your scheduled collection day. All waste must be placed curbside in the front of the property, neatly accessible for the collection crews. If a scheduled pickup is missed because items were not placed curbside, the collection will not occur.

• Garbage Collection: Collected once a week. Ensure all trash is bagged and fits inside the provided City of Atlanta cart.
• Recycling Collection: Collected once a week. The Department of Public Works collects recyclables as part of its curbside service. If you are unsure whether an item is clean and empty enough to recycle, the safest option is to discard it in the trash.
• Yard Trimmings: Must be placed in paper bags or bundled. For large amounts, twenty-one (21) or more yard trimming bags must be scheduled as a bulk collection.

The Updated 2025 Rules for Atlanta Bulk Waste Collection

Bulk rubbish—materials too large for the regular residential garbage collection—requires a mandatory scheduling process through ATL311. Failure to schedule a bulk pickup will result in your items being left at the curb, potentially leading to a code violation.

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How to Schedule a Bulk Pickup:

To schedule a bulk collection, residents must contact ATL311 or use the official online collection tool. Once scheduled, the bulk items must be placed curbside in the front of the property by 7 PM the night before the scheduled pickup day.

What is Considered Bulk Rubbish?

Bulk rubbish includes large household items like furniture (sofas, tables, mattresses), appliances (washers, dryers), and large amounts of yard waste. The City will also collect tree branches, but they must not exceed specific size limitations, which should be confirmed when scheduling the collection.

Critical List of Unaccepted Bulk Waste Items:

A major point of confusion for residents is what the City *will not* collect. Placing these items out can lead to immediate fines and service refusal. The following items are explicitly unaccepted for bulk collection:

• Construction and Demolition Debris: Waste from remodeling or major home construction.
• Tires: Vehicle tires are not accepted curbside.
• Hazardous Materials: Household chemicals, pool chemicals, oil, anti-freeze, and automotive filters.
• Items Containing Fuels: This includes lawn mowers, weed eaters, and propane tanks.
• Refrigerant-Containing Appliances: Dehumidifiers, refrigerators, or air conditioners must have the refrigerant professionally removed and tagged before collection can be scheduled.

For items like Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), residents must look for special disposal events or drop-off locations, which are separate from the regular SWS collection schedule.

Understanding the 2025 Solid Waste Rate Adjustments

The financial aspect of solid waste services saw legislative review in 2024 that impacts the 2025 service year. The City Utilities Committee of the Atlanta City Council held a public hearing on July 9, 2024, regarding adopted legislation (24-O-1214) to amend the code related to the Solid Waste Rate.

These adjustments are part of the city’s effort to maintain and improve service quality while managing the costs of operating the Department of Public Works. Residents are encouraged to review their latest utility bills or contact ATL311 for the most current information regarding their specific residential solid waste service fees for the 2025 fiscal year. The goal is often tied to promoting more efficient waste practices, aligning with the concept of a SMART (Save Money and Reduce Trash) residential waste reduction program that incentivizes recycling and reduction.

Future-Proofing Your Waste Management in Atlanta

To ensure you are always ahead of the curve, the best strategy is to utilize the digital tools provided by the City of Atlanta. The ATL311 system and the Solid Waste Services Collection Tool are continuously updated with the most accurate information on holiday delays, schedule changes, and service reminders. By proactively checking your individual address on the official City of Atlanta website, you can eliminate any guesswork regarding your weekly collection.

Compliance with the 7 PM set-out rule and the mandatory scheduling for bulk items are the two easiest ways to guarantee seamless service. With the 2025 holiday schedule now confirmed and clear rules on what constitutes unacceptable waste, Atlanta residents have all the necessary information to manage their household waste responsibly and efficiently.