Garbage Collection

Residential Garbage Collection

The City of Athens collects residential garbage on a weekly basis using an Automated Curb-side Garbage Collection Truck. If you have any questions about our residential garbage collection that is not covered by this page, please call our Sanitation Department.

Collection Process

  • Residential garbage is collected on a weekly basis. If you do not know your collection day please use our interactive Collection Map.
  • The City of Athens garbage tote(s) must be placed curbside no later than 7:00 a.m. on the specified collection day.
  • Garbage totes are intended for storing unwanted, non-recyclable kitchen and bathroom garbage intended for disposal.
  • All garbage must be placed in tightly secured bags and placed inside the garbage tote.
  • Do not overfill the garbage tote or place trash on the ground or on top of the garbage tote.
  • The lid to the garbage tote should be able to close completely for proper collection of trash.
  • Collection crews will not pick up spills or litter resulting from unbagged garbage, overfilled garbage totes, or scavenging.
  • For your safety, never approach the collection equipment while it is being operated.

Automated Garbage Tote Placement

  • The arrows on the lid and front of the garbage tote should point towards the street.
  • Garbage totes must be at least 3 feet from any obstruction. Obstructions include, but are not limited to the following: mailboxes, motor vehicles, utility poles and brush / junk piles.
  • If you are unable to place the garbage tote curb-side due to a physical limitation please call our Sanitation Department.
  • Please remove the garbage tote from the curb-side after it has been collected.

Reporting a Missed Garbage Pick-Up

If your City of Athens garbage tote was not emptied on your regular pick-up day, please call our Sanitation Department. Please note that the City of Athens has until the end of the pick-up day to empty your City of Athens garbage tote. Please wait until the following day to call and report the missed pick-up. Reports made more than 48 hours after the miss may not be processed until your next pick-up day.

Notice

  • The City of Athens will ONLY pick up garbage totes labeled with the City of Athens seal.
  • The City of Athens garbage totes have serial numbers and are assigned to the address of the residence and not to a person. DO NOT remove the garbage tote from the assigned address. Please note that City of Athens garbage totes are City property.
  • If a City of Athens garbage tote is not at your new residence please call our Sanitation Department to have one delivered.
  • If a garbage tote or lid is damaged during the collection process please call our Sanitation Department for it to be repaired or replaced.
  • You are automatically billed $9.50 by Athens Utility Board on your monthly bill for sanitation services.
  • If you need an additional garbage tote please call our Sanitation Department for more information and pricing.

Commercial Garbage Collection

Public Works will deliver a container to your business and empty it on a scheduled basis, for a monthly fee. If you have questions, please call our Sanitation Department.

Pricing

Containers are available in 4, 6 or 8 cubic yards. Depending on how often you would like your container emptied you may be charged more. Below are the prices for once a week pick up.

  • 4 cubic yds $44
  • 6 cubic yds $66
  • 8 cubic yds $88

If businesses share a dumpster, the cost is from $9.50 to $28.50 a month.

Industrial Rates

Below are the prices for once a week pick up.

  • 4 cu yds $54
  • 6 cu yds $88
  • 8 cu yds $108

For payment please call the Finance Department.