Atlanta trash & bulky-item rules

Effective February 16, 2026, Atlanta schedules approved bulky collections on the household’s regular weekly collection day. The service still requires an advance request through ATL311 or the City’s solid-waste system. The City includes 12 scheduled bulk collections per address per year.

Atlanta’s current Solid Waste Services page defines a standard collection as no more than 8 cubic yards, roughly a small room of furniture. If the set-out exceeds that volume, additional truck-capacity loads can count as additional bulk collections. The City’s FY2026 rate sheet lists a $343.10 charge after the 12 included calls are used.

Do not place the bulk pile at the curb before 7 p.m. the evening before the confirmed collection day. Atlanta warns that early set-out can lead to a citation. Scheduled appointments should be cancelled by 3 p.m. the day before if no longer needed.

Keep garbage/recycling carts and yard trimmings at least 6 feet from the bulk pile. Items also need to be accessible from the right-of-way and clear of vehicles, mailboxes, overhanging branches, power lines and other obstacles.

Atlanta describes household bulk as oversized material such as furniture and white goods/appliances that cannot be handled by the normal residential garbage truck. Mattresses and other large household furnishings are appropriate uses of the scheduled program when they otherwise meet the City’s rules.

The current City page does not accept auto parts—including tires—or building/construction material in the standard bulky program. Contractor-generated material, eviction set-outs and material from vacant properties are also excluded.

Electronics do not belong in Atlanta bulk collection. The City directs hard-to-recycle material such as computers, printers, televisions, batteries, paint and other difficult products to the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) or another appropriate recycling route.

Tires are also excluded from the City’s scheduled bulk collection under the current Solid Waste Services rules. CHaRM accepts tires under its own current limits and fees, making it an important alternative for residents who can self-haul.

Atlanta’s ordinary yard-trimming rules cover smaller residential material. Branches generally need to be no more than 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter. Large piles of branches and 21 or more qualifying yard-trimming bags require a scheduled bulk collection.

Bulky yard trimmings must be kept in a separate pile from household bulky items so crews can handle the material correctly.

Atlanta does not operate a general municipal curbside HHW program. The City directs residents to CHaRM, 1110 Hill Street SE, for many hard-to-recycle and hazardous household materials. CHaRM operates by appointment and accepts categories including electronics, paint/chemicals, batteries, tires, appliances and mattresses, with item-specific fees or limits where applicable.

Because CHaRM is operated separately from curbside sanitation, residents should check its current appointment calendar and fee list before loading a vehicle.

For Atlanta, start with the local authority links below. Recheck them before a special trip or unusual set-out because programs, prices and facility hours can change.

• Atlanta Office of Solid Waste Services2026 schedule change, 12 annual collections, $343.10 excess-call fee, 8 yd³ limit and tire/construction exclusions.
• Atlanta Solid Waste ServicesDefinition of bulky rubbish and scheduling requirements.
• Atlanta Recycling ProgramsCHaRM route for electronics and other hard-to-recycle material.
• CHaRM AtlantaCurrent appointment-based drop-off program for difficult household materials.