Chapter 70 SOLID WASTE
Plain English: what this part covers
This chapter covers garbage: how trash must be bagged and stored, the pickup schedule, what the city will and won't haul, private haulers, and the garbage fee on your utility bill. An editor's note says the city contracts with the Solid Waste Management Authority of Crisp County (agreement dated 1996).
- Pickup every 7–10 days, same weekday (Sec. 70-39)
- Dead animals over 30 lbs not accepted (Sec. 70-43(b)(4))
- Evicted tenant property: 5 days to reclaim (Sec. 70-37(c))
- Contract hauler bond at least $25,000 (Sec. 70-41(b))
- Hauler trucks must show name/phone/permit in letters at least 3 inches high (Sec. 70-42)
- Garbage fee set by council and billed monthly on utility bill; no amount in code (Sec. 70-46)
Editor's note— The city has entered into an agreement with the Solid Waste Management Authority of Crisp County regarding the collection, hauling and disposal of solid waste within the city. A copy of the agreement, which is dated July 26, 1996, is on file in the city clerk's office.
Cross reference— Disposition of dead rabid animals, § 14-179; buildings and building regulations, ch. 18; environment, ch. 38; health and sanitation, ch. 50; utilities, ch. 86.
State Law reference— Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act, § 12-8-20 et seq.; local, multijurisdictional and regional solid waste plans, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-31.1; scrap tire disposal restrictions, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-40.1; yard trimmings disposal restrictions, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-40.2; Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act, O.C.G.A. § 12-8-60 et seq.; Litter Control Law, O.C.G.A. § 16-7-40 et seq.; transporting garbage or waste across state or county boundaries without permission, O.C.G.A. § 36-1-16; littering highways, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-249; transportation of biomedical waste, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-253.1; solid waste management education program, establishment of Georgia Clean and Beautiful Advisory Committee and Interagency Council on Solid Waste Management, O.C.G.A. § 50-8-7.3; authorization to provide garbage and solid waste collection and disposal, Ga. Const. art. IX, § II, ¶ III(a)(2).
What's in here
Questions folks ask
How often is garbage picked up?
In residential and commercial areas, at least 7 and no more than 10 days apart, on the same day each week. There's no pickup on city holidays unless the city manager says otherwise.
How do I have to put out my trash?
In a container you provide that the city approves, with garbage and rubbish in sealed, unbroken disposal bags. Drain excess liquid first. Containers with sharp edges or defects must be replaced.
Will the city pick up yard limbs or construction debris?
Not as regular garbage. Limbs and yard trimmings not in your normal container, construction and demolition debris, industrial waste, dead animals over 30 pounds and hazardous waste aren't accepted at public expense.
How much is the garbage fee?
The code doesn't list a dollar amount. The city council sets the fee from time to time, and it's billed monthly on your city utility bill.
Can I dig through someone's trash or the dumpster?
No. Only the owner, the city or its contractor may disturb a container set out for collection or take anything from it.
What happens to an evicted tenant's things left on the sidewalk?
The tenant has five days to reclaim them. After that they're considered abandoned and the city may remove them, with costs billed to the landlord or property owner.
Can I hire a private trash hauler?
Only one licensed by the city that holds the required state solid waste permit. Haulers contracting with the city must post a bond of at least $25,000.
Who do I appeal to if I disagree with a garbage fee?
The city council, which can confirm, modify or revoke the requirement or fee.
This is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. The official code is on Municode and at City Hall. Our copy is from April 30, 2026.
Online: https://jamesburgessleads.com/city-code/PTIICOOR_CH70SOWA
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH70SOWA
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