The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department will introduce a new Bulky Waste Collection Program starting November 3, 2025. The initiative is funded through property taxes and aims to make it easier for residents to dispose of large household items that do not fit in standard garbage or recycling containers. According to the department, illegal dumping currently costs the county over $1 million each year.
Residential customers living in single-family homes, duplexes, and four-plexes within both the General Service and Urban Service Districts are eligible for this service. Commercial customers are advised to contact the ACC Solid Waste Billing Office for special pick-up arrangements.
The program’s objectives include reducing illegal dumping, improving neighborhood cleanliness, ensuring proper disposal of bulky items, and supporting recycling efforts. Items accepted as bulky waste include furniture such as chairs, tables, couches, mattresses (including headboards and bed frames), lawn furniture with fluids removed, grills without propane tanks, various appliances like microwaves and refrigerators, large electronics (TV-sized or larger), toys, bicycles, toilets, rugs (which must be cut and bundled), pianos and other large instruments.
Items not accepted as part of the program include bagged trash, batteries, construction debris (including pallets), dead animals, hazardous materials, automotive components or liquids, tires, or yard waste. Residents with these prohibited items are encouraged to contact the department for assistance or to arrange a special pick-up.
Collection will be available by request only. Residents should place bulky waste between the curb and sidewalk without blocking pedestrian traffic. Where there is no sidewalk present, items may be placed on private property near the street within five feet of the curb. All items must be set out no earlier than 24 hours before collection but by 7:00 AM on pick-up day. Bulky waste should not block intersections or public utilities and must be separated by type—metal items should be stacked apart from other bulky waste for recycling purposes.
Each eligible residence can schedule up to four free pick-ups per year with a maximum of five items per visit; additional pick-ups beyond this allowance start at $50 per trip.
To schedule a collection or get more information about what qualifies as bulky waste under this new program residents can visit accgov.com/bulkywaste or call (706) 613-3501.
“Reduce illegal dumping
Improve neighborhood cleanliness
Ensure items are handled and disposed of properly
Support recycling and diversion goals”
