Want to recycle yard waste in Atlanta? Here's what you need to know:
- Accepted Materials: Grass clippings, leaves, tree branches (under 4 ft), shrub trimmings, pine straw, and natural Christmas trees (decorations removed).
- Prohibited Items: Plastic bags, treated wood, animal waste, food scraps, rocks, soil, and mixed trash.
- Curbside Pickup: Weekly by zone. Use approved containers, keep waste separate from trash, and set it out by 7 AM.
- Drop-Off Locations: Visit facilities like Center Hill Transfer Station or Hartsfield Composting Facility. Bring proof of residency and check fees.
- Composting Options: Use city programs for free mulch or compost at home using a 3x3x3 ft bin with a mix of "brown" (dry leaves) and "green" (grass clippings) materials.
- Storm Debris: Report storm debris to ATL311 for special collection.
- Professional Help: WasteMatch offers flexible yard waste removal with eco-friendly disposal.
Proper yard waste management keeps Atlanta clean and supports recycling efforts. Choose city services, drop-off locations, or professional options like WasteMatch to handle your needs.
Here's how Georgia residents can handle recycling, yard ...
Types of Yard Waste Accepted in Atlanta
Atlanta's yard waste program has clear guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled. Here's a breakdown of the materials accepted and those that should be avoided.
Accepted Yard Waste
The following items are allowed for recycling:
- Grass clippings and leaves: Must be dry and free of debris.
- Tree branches and limbs: Ensure they meet size requirements outlined in local rules.
- Bush and shrub trimmings: Should be properly bundled.
- Pine straw and pine cones: Must be clean and free from contaminants.
- Natural Christmas trees: Decorations must be completely removed.
- Garden plant debris: Should not include soil or plastic pots.
Be sure to check local preparation guidelines for proper handling.
Items Not Accepted
Avoid including these materials to prevent contamination:
| Material Type | Why It's Prohibited |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags | They don't break down naturally. |
| Treated lumber | Contains harmful chemicals. |
| Construction wood | May include nails or paint. |
| Animal waste | Poses health risks. |
| Food scraps | Can attract pests. |
| Rocks and soil | Can damage recycling equipment. |
| Metal objects | Not biodegradable. |
| Mixed trash | Contaminates recyclable items. |
Important: If prohibited items are mixed with yard waste, the entire load may be rejected and sent to a landfill. Additional fees could apply for disposing of contaminated loads. Always follow the guidelines to ensure proper recycling.
Curbside Pickup Rules
Here’s how to comply with Atlanta’s curbside yard waste collection guidelines.
Pickup Schedule by Area
Your collection day depends on your service zone. Most neighborhoods have weekly pickups, but the exact day varies. If there’s a holiday, pickups move to the next business day. Check your local schedule to confirm your assigned day.
Now, let’s go over how to get your yard waste ready for collection.
How to Prepare Yard Waste
Make sure your yard waste is collected by following these steps:
- Use approved containers for yard waste.
- Stick to size and weight limits; larger bundles may need special arrangements.
- Set containers at the curb before the designated pickup time.
- Keep yard waste separate from trash and recyclables.
If your yard waste exceeds the usual limits, you can schedule a special pickup through WasteMatch or drop it off at one of Atlanta’s designated facilities.
Where to Drop Off Yard Waste
Atlanta has specific locations where you can take larger amounts of yard waste.
Drop-Off Locations
There are several yard waste drop-off centers in Atlanta, including Center Hill Transfer Station, East Atlanta Transfer Station, and the Hartsfield Composting Facility. Be sure to check the city's official resources for updated addresses and operating hours. Also, make sure to review any fees and documentation requirements before heading out.
Costs and Required Documents
You'll need to bring proof of residency in Atlanta, such as a recent utility bill or your driver's license, along with a vehicle registration that matches. Fees depend on the size and type of your load, so contact your chosen facility for the latest fee schedule and accepted payment options.
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Composting and Mulch Programs
City Composting Programs
Atlanta runs a composting program that turns yard waste into compost and mulch. Through the "Give Back to the Garden" initiative, residents can pick up free mulch at specific city collection points. Mulch is typically available from March to November, depending on the weather.
Want to participate? Here's how:
- Schedule a pickup for your yard waste.
- Prepare your yard waste and set it out on collection day.
Prefer to handle composting at home? Check out the Home Composting Guide below.
Home Composting Guide
If you'd rather manage yard waste yourself, home composting is a great way to recycle it into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Getting Started:
- Pick a shady spot with good drainage.
- Use a container that's at least 3x3x3 feet to allow proper decomposition.
- Combine 3 parts "brown" materials (like dry leaves, twigs, or wood chips) with 1 part "green" materials (like grass clippings or plant trimmings). Add a thin layer of soil or finished compost on top.
Maintaining Your Compost:
- Turn the pile every 2–3 weeks to keep it aerated.
- Check moisture levels often - aim for the dampness of a wrung-out sponge.
- Cover the pile during heavy rains to prevent it from getting too wet.
- Avoid adding diseased plants or weeds with seeds.
- Chop larger materials into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
- Keep the pile's temperature between 130–150°F (54–66°C) for faster results.
With regular care, you'll have ready-to-use compost in about 3–6 months.
Storm Debris Collection
When severe storms hit Atlanta, the city launches an emergency storm debris collection program right away. If you spot debris, report it as soon as possible using the official channels. You can reach Atlanta's 311 by calling 404-546-0311, using the ATL311 app, or visiting the city’s website. Quick reporting allows officials to organize debris removal efficiently, helping the city manage storm cleanup smoothly.
WasteMatch: Professional Yard Waste Removal
When municipal services don't align with your schedule, WasteMatch offers a convenient solution for yard waste removal. This service works alongside Atlanta's municipal recycling program, providing personalized schedules and thorough cleanup options.
WasteMatch Services
WasteMatch links you with trusted Atlanta professionals who handle various yard waste removal needs. Here's what they cover:
| Service Type | What's Included |
|---|---|
| Basic Yard Waste | Leaves, grass clippings, and small branches |
| Large Debris | Tree limbs, stumps, and bushes |
| Seasonal Cleanup | Fall leaf removal and spring garden cleanup |
| Post-Project Cleanup | Landscaping debris and renovation waste |
Collected yard waste is managed responsibly, with recycling or composting prioritized whenever possible. This approach ensures an efficient and stress-free cleanup experience.
How to Book Yard Waste Pickup
Booking with WasteMatch is quick and straightforward. Follow these four steps:
- Schedule Online: Head to getwastematch.co and choose the yard waste removal option.
- Get Transparent Pricing: Receive a clear quote based on the volume of waste.
- Pick a Time: Select a time that works for you, including same-day or recurring services.
Payment is securely processed after the job is completed. WasteMatch ensures you're connected with dependable professionals who handle your yard waste responsibly, contributing to Atlanta's recycling and composting initiatives.
Quick Guide Summary
Yard Waste Recycling Overview
| Service Type | Details | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| City Curbside | Weekly pickup by zone | Approved containers, bundles under 4 ft |
| Drop-off Centers | Free for local residents | Proof of Atlanta residency |
| Storm Debris | Special pickups post-storm | Keep separate from regular trash |
| Professional Removal | On-demand with WasteMatch | No requirements, flexible scheduling |
What’s Accepted:
- Leaves, grass clippings, bundled tree branches, and shrub trimmings.
Key Guidelines:
- Keep yard waste separate from household trash.
- Use paper bags or designated containers.
- Cut branches into 4-foot sections.
- Place items curbside by 7 AM on collection day.
If you're outside municipal collection areas or need quick assistance, WasteMatch offers on-demand yard waste removal. Their service features clear pricing, flexible scheduling, and eco-friendly disposal methods through recycling and composting.
Proper yard waste management helps maintain Atlanta's green spaces and supports composting efforts, whether you use city services or WasteMatch's professional removal.
