Roswell Regular Trash Pickup Services

Coordinating Regular Trash Pickup Schedules with Roswell's Environmental and Public Works Department

Roswell's regular trash pickup program is administered through the city's Environmental and Public Works Department, which oversees curbside collection for residential properties. Residents must adhere to designated collection days assigned by neighborhood zone to ensure timely waste removal. Key requirements for curbside trash pickup include:

• Cart placement: Roll carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on the scheduled collection day and removed by the end of the same day
• Cart positioning: Carts should face the street with lids closed, placed at least 3 feet apart from other carts, mailboxes, or obstructions
• Prohibited overflow: Trash must fit inside the city-issued cart with the lid fully closed; loose bags placed beside the cart may not be collected
• Collection hours: Trucks operate between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM on scheduled days; residents should not assume a fixed arrival time

Residents who miss their scheduled pickup day should contact the department directly rather than leaving carts curbside overnight, as this may trigger code enforcement action.

Roswell Environmental & Public Works
38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: (770) 641-3810
Official Website: Roswell Environmental & Public Works

Roswell's Prohibited Materials and Sorting Requirements for Curbside Trash Collection

Not all household waste qualifies for regular curbside trash pickup in Roswell. Georgia's solid waste regulations, enforced through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, establish categories of materials that must be diverted from standard collection. Residents should be aware of the following restrictions:

• Hazardous waste: Paints, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, and automotive batteries are prohibited from curbside carts and must be taken to a designated household hazardous waste collection event
• Electronics: Televisions, computer monitors, and other electronic devices should not be placed in regular trash; Fulton County periodically hosts e-waste recycling drop-off events
• Appliances with refrigerants: Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units require refrigerant recovery by a certified technician per EPA Section 608 regulations before disposal
• Yard waste: Grass clippings, leaves, and branches must be separated from household trash and placed in designated yard waste containers or bags
• Construction debris: Renovation and demolition materials, including drywall, lumber, and roofing shingles, are not accepted in regular trash carts

Improper disposal of prohibited materials may result in collection refusal and potential code enforcement citations.

Georgia Solid Waste Management Act Compliance for Roswell Residents

Georgia's Solid Waste Management Act (O.C.G.A. § 12-8-20 et seq.) establishes the regulatory framework governing waste collection, disposal, and recycling across all municipalities, including Roswell. This state law mandates that local governments maintain comprehensive solid waste management plans and enforce proper disposal practices. Roswell residents should understand the following state-level requirements:

• Illegal dumping penalties: Georgia law imposes fines of up to $1,000 per day for improper waste disposal, including dumping trash on public or private property outside of authorized collection
• Landfill restrictions: Certain materials, including lead-acid batteries and used motor oil, are banned from Georgia landfills and must be recycled through authorized facilities
• Tire disposal: Waste tires are prohibited from landfill disposal under Georgia regulations; residents must use designated tire recycling drop-off locations
• Solid waste handling permits: Any entity transporting solid waste commercially within Roswell must hold a valid permit issued by the Georgia EPD

The EPA Region 4 office provides additional federal oversight for solid waste compliance in Georgia.

Roswell Code Enforcement Standards for Trash Cart Storage and Curbside Compliance

Roswell's Code Enforcement Division actively monitors residential properties for compliance with municipal waste storage and collection ordinances. Proper trash cart management is not merely a convenience issue—it is a regulatory requirement that affects neighborhood aesthetics, public health, and property values. Residents should observe the following standards:

• Cart storage: Between collection days, trash carts must be stored behind the front building line or screened from public view; carts left permanently at the curb may result in a violation notice
• Overflowing carts: Waste that exceeds cart capacity or is placed in unauthorized containers may be cited as a property maintenance violation
• Bulk items: Large items such as furniture or appliances must not be placed curbside with regular trash; residents should schedule separate bulk pickup through the city
• Noise ordinances: Trash collection activities, including cart movement, are subject to Roswell's noise ordinance, which restricts loud activities before 7:00 AM in residential areas on weekends

Violations are typically addressed through a written notice with a compliance deadline before fines are assessed.

Roswell Code Enforcement
38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: (770) 641-3780
Official Website: Roswell Code Enforcement

Recycling Participation and Landfill Diversion Goals in Roswell's Curbside Program

Roswell encourages active recycling participation as part of its curbside collection program to reduce landfill-bound waste and meet regional diversion goals. Single-stream recycling is collected on the same schedule as regular trash, using a separate city-issued recycling cart. Accepted recyclable materials typically include:

• Paper and cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, flattened cardboard boxes, and paperboard packaging
• Plastics: Bottles and containers marked with recycling symbols #1 through #7 (lids removed)
• Metals: Aluminum cans, steel cans, and clean tin containers
• Glass: Clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars (labels may remain)

Contamination remains a significant challenge for recycling programs. Items such as plastic bags, food-soiled containers, Styrofoam, and garden hoses must not be placed in recycling carts, as they can compromise entire loads. Roswell's Environmental and Public Works department provides educational resources on proper recycling practices. Residents uncertain about specific items should consult the city's recycling guidelines before placing materials curbside.

Georgia Environmental Protection Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 1456 East, Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: (404) 656-4713
Official Website: Georgia Environmental Protection Division

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Roswell, GA?

• Historic Roswell: This district features homes dating to the mid-1800s with mature tree canopy and narrow residential streets. Trash cart placement may require careful positioning to avoid obstructing historic sidewalks, and tree-lined streets can occasionally delay collection vehicle access.
• Martin's Landing: A large established subdivision with wide residential streets and cul-de-sacs that accommodate standard collection vehicles. HOA guidelines may impose additional cart storage requirements beyond city code.
• Horseshoe Bend / Willow Springs: These neighborhoods feature winding roads and hilly terrain. Residents should ensure carts are placed on level ground at the curb to prevent tipping during windy conditions or on sloped driveways.
• Crabapple: Located in the northern portion of Roswell, this area blends historic charm with newer development. Some properties have longer driveways, requiring residents to transport carts a considerable distance to the curbside collection point.
• Holcomb Bridge Corridor: This mixed-use area includes multi-family residential complexes and commercial properties. Multi-family communities may have centralized waste collection areas with specific scheduling coordinated through property management rather than individual curbside pickup.
• Riverside / Azalea Drive Area: Situated near the Chattahoochee River, these neighborhoods are subject to stormwater management regulations. Residents must ensure trash carts are secured and waste does not enter storm drains, in compliance with Roswell's environmental programs.