Moving to Decatur or settling into a new home? Trash day here works a little differently, and a few quick tips can save you time and surprise fees. You want a simple plan for PAYT bags, recycling the right way, and getting yard waste picked up without a hitch. This guide gives you the essentials, key rules, and trusted local links so you can feel set from week one. Let’s dive in.
Check your service area
Knowing whether your address is inside the City of Decatur or in unincorporated DeKalb County matters. The City of Decatur runs its own sanitation program for homes inside city limits, including curbside trash, recycling, glass, and yard waste. Start with the City’s overview to confirm services and contacts on the official Sanitation Services page: City of Decatur Public Works.
If you are outside city limits in unincorporated DeKalb County, your rules and options differ. For example, the county does not accept glass in curbside bins and uses drop-off sites instead. See county guidance here: DeKalb County recycling basics.
Pay-As-You-Throw basics
In the City of Decatur, household trash must be placed in approved Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) bags. You buy the bags locally, and the bag price covers disposal costs. Bag sizes are 8, 15, and 33 gallons. Learn where to buy and how it works: City PAYT model.
Your annual sanitation fee funds curbside recycling, glass collection, yard waste, bulky pickup, and more. Recent reporting noted a $310 residential sanitation fee for FY2024, with the City reviewing program costs each year. For context, see this update and confirm the current rate with the City: Decatur residential sanitation fee article.
Weekly set-out rules
Collection is weekly. Put all items at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on your collection day. Do not place containers out earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before, and remove empties by midnight on collection day. If your recycling or yard waste is missed, contact Public Works the same day using the City’s Sanitation Services page.
Recycling made simple
Use the right bins
The City collects two streams: a green bin for commingled recyclables and a red bin for glass. You can request bins and see pickup details here: Commingled and glass recycling.
Keep it clean and loose
Rinse containers. Keep recyclables loose in the bin, not in plastic bags. Keep glass separate in the red bin. Acceptance policies can change as recycling markets shift. Always check the City’s recycling guide before adding specialty items: Decatur recycling guide.
If you live in unincorporated DeKalb County, remember that glass goes to drop-off locations, not curbside. County details are here: DeKalb County recycling basics.
Yard waste and leaves
Yard trimmings are collected on your regular pickup day. Use paper yard-waste bags or approved containers and bundle brush to the City’s size and weight limits. Check the latest standards before you set out a large pile: City yard waste guidance.
Have more than curbside can handle? DeKalb County runs compost and reuse programs, and local partners offer drop-off for tough items. Explore county options: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle programs. You can also use CHaRM’s Decatur/DeKalb site for hard-to-recycle materials and composting: CHaRM Decatur location update.
Bulky items and appliances
Most bulky items and many household appliances are collected curbside as part of the City program. Items that contain refrigerant often need special handling. Review City options here: Sanitation Services. If you are in unincorporated DeKalb County, check the county FAQ for current procedures and any item fees: DeKalb Sanitation FAQs.
Hard-to-recycle items and events
Decatur hosts semi-annual events for electronics recycling, shredding, Styrofoam, and neighborhood clean-ups. Check dates on the City’s Sanitation Services page. For items curbside will not accept, use CHaRM’s Decatur/DeKalb site and county HHW programs: CHaRM Decatur location update and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle programs. Do not place hazardous liquids or chemicals at the curb.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm if your address is inside the City of Decatur or in unincorporated DeKalb County.
- Use City PAYT bags for household trash; buy them locally or at City offices.
- Set everything out by 7:30 a.m. on pickup day. Do not set out before 5:00 p.m. the day prior. Bring empties in by midnight.
- Keep recyclables clean and loose, and put glass in the red bin.
- Bundle brush and use yard-waste bags or containers to meet City limits; use drop-off options for overflow.
- Take electronics, paint, and other hard-to-recycle items to City events or CHaRM instead of placing them curbside.
Moving to Decatur soon?
A smooth move starts with small details like PAYT bags, the right bins, and the correct set-out times. If you want neighborhood-level guidance while you plan your next move or explore new construction, reach out to Tiffany Biggins for local insight and next steps.
FAQs
How do I know if I follow City of Decatur or DeKalb County rules?
- Check whether your address is inside the City of Decatur limits. If it is, you follow the City’s sanitation program. If not, you follow DeKalb County rules.
What time should I set out bins and bags in Decatur?
- Place items at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on collection day. Do not set out before 5:00 p.m. the day prior, and remove empties by midnight the same day.
Do I have to use special trash bags in Decatur?
- Yes. The City requires Pay-As-You-Throw bags for household trash. Buy approved bags locally or at City offices.
What if my recycling or yard waste is missed?
- Note your collection day and call City Public Works if it is not collected by end of day. Have your address and items ready to report.
Does Decatur collect glass at the curb?
- Yes. The City collects glass separately in a red bin. If you are in unincorporated DeKalb County, glass goes to county drop-off sites instead.
How should I set out yard waste?
- Use paper yard-waste bags or approved containers and bundle brush to the City’s size and weight limits. For large volumes, use county or CHaRM drop-off options.
Where can I take electronics, paint, or hazardous items?
- Use the City’s semi-annual events or CHaRM’s Decatur/DeKalb site. Do not place hazardous liquids or chemicals at the curb.
