Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact if I have construction or demolition debris?

Why did Gwinnett County implement a solid waste plan?

• Cleaner neighborhoods: About 20,000 homes previously did not use waste collection services.
• Environmental sustainability: A single hauler provides service to each neighborhood, reducing truck traffic and pollution. Customers may also recycle as part of their regular solid waste pick-up service. State law requires the County to update its solid waste management plan periodically and to work toward reducing the solid waste deposited in landfills.
• Consistent service fee: The standard service fee is the same in all solid waste districts in the unincorporated areas of the County.

Is there any exemption from the Solid Waste Ordinance requirements?

The Gwinnett County Solid Waste program is mandatory for all residents. However, if your property is vacant and you have a current, valid Vacant Property Permit from the Department of Planning and Development, please notify the Solid Waste Management Call Center at 770.822.7141. To apply for a vacant property permit, visit the Department of Planning and Development in person at 446 West Crogan Street, Suite 150, in Lawrenceville. Utilities (electricity and water) should already be turned off at the time of application.

How do you handle illegal dumping issues?

• Report illegal dumping on public roadways to the Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management Call Center at 770.822.7141 or Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful at 770.822.5187.
• To report the criminal act of illegal dumping while occurring, call 911 and provide a description of the person and/or vehicle.
• To report illegally dumped items on private property which have identifying information (evidence), contact Gwinnett County Police at 770.513.5700.
• To report illegally dumped items on private property which have NO identifying information (evidence), contact the Code Enforcement Hotline at 770.513.5020 or email QualityofLife@gwinnettcounty.com and the landowner will be contacted to remove the items.

Who can I call with additional questions about the solid waste program?

Please call Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management Call Center at 770.822.7141 weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm. You may also email your questions to gcsolidwaste@gwinnettcounty.com. Please be sure to include the first and last name of the property owner and the physical address.

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Do I have a choice of hauler?

Haulers are assigned by service areas, which increases collection efficiency, limits truck traffic in residential neighborhoods, and reduces noise pollution.

In a gated community with private roads, will haulers use smaller trucks?

Please contact your hauler with this question.

What if my hauler delivers poor service?

Contact your hauler directly if complaints are not resolved within 24 hours, contact Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management at 770.822.7141 or gcsolidwaste@gwinnettcounty.com. If possible, please provide the service request number given by your hauler when you contacted them.

What are the rules, quality controls, and expectations for haulers?

All haulers must collect household trash and recyclables once per week. They must meet service level agreements that include professionalism, qualified and trained staff, and a call center that is adequately staffed and maintained weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Who monitors the service providers for quality of service?

Gwinnett County manages the solid waste program to ensure that quality customer service is provided to our citizens. You may call 770.822.7141 or email gcsolidwaste@gwinnettcounty.com with customer concerns.

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Can I put biomedical containers such as colostomy or urostomy bags in the trash?

Although residents are allowed to dispose of biomedical wastes with their regular trash, this does not include non-solid biomedical materials such as urine or fecal matter. Urine and fecal matter are not solid waste and should be disposed of through wastewater treatment or septic tanks. This material should be emptied from the containers (such as a colostomy bag) into a toilet and then flushed. The empty containers should then be placed into a sealable plastic bag and disposed of with regular household trash.

How do I properly dispose of medical syringes/sharps/hypodermic needles?

Medical syringes and sharps generated from individuals in their homes can legally be placed with regular household trash. For safety, these materials should be properly contained and marked as follows.

1. Place used sharps/needles in a rigid plastic container. A liquid laundry detergent bottle is ideal because the thick rubbery plastic resists punctures, the spout restricts the opening to prevent spills, and the lid is secure.
2. When full, screw the lid on tightly and tape in place with duct tape. Clearly label the container "Bio Hazard."
3. Place the container with your regular household trash for collection.

Do I need to sort my recyclables?

No. Gwinnett's solid waste haulers use dedicated trucks for recycling and a method called “single stream recycling.” This means that recyclables are sorted at the recycling center, not curbside. Please rinse out all containers before placing in the recycling cart. Here is a list of the many items you can recycle.

What if all of my recycling does not fit in the container provided by my hauler?

You may use additional personal containers marked “recyclables” for recycling or you can rent a larger recycling cart from your hauler and they will bill you directly. Haulers are not responsible for personal containers.

What about recycling plastics? Are all types accepted at the curb?

Plastics #1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are accepted curbside. For a more comprehensive list of plastics that are recyclable, see the accepted recyclable items list.

Is glass accepted at curbside recycling?

No, glass is not accepted as part of recycling. Glass should be taken to a separate facility that accepts glass recycling or disposed of with household trash. Two facilities that currently accept glass recycling are:

Do I have to recycle?

No, but voluntary participation in recycling helps contain costs. Recycling reduces the amount of solid waste disposed of in landfills and helps preserve our environment.

Who should I call if my recyclables are not picked up?

Please call your hauler directly or Solid Waste Management Call Center at 770.822.7141 for missed pickups or other service-related issues. If your issue is not resolved, please call the Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management Call Center or email gcsolidwaste@gwinnettcounty.com and include the property owner’s first and last name and the physical address.

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Who do I call if my trash is not picked up?

Please call your hauler for missed pickups or other service-related issues. If your issue is not resolved, please call the Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management Call Center at 770.822.7141 or email gcsolidwaste@gwinnettcounty.com and include the property owner’s first and last name and the physical address.

Who should I notify if I move?

It is not necessary to notify your hauler or Gwinnett County if you move. However, if your property will be unoccupied and there is no need for collection service, you may contact your hauler, or contact Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management at 770.822.7141 or at gcsolidwaste@gwinnettcounty.com to suspend collection services. Gwinnett County does not issue refunds or make adjustments for the solid waste fee and will continue to bill for the service going forward. If you are selling your home, you may ask your closing attorney about the option of prorating fees.

Will the hauler assigned to my neighborhood also service the Homeowner's Association common areas?

If your HOA is using residential cans for trash collection, the association should contract with the residential hauler assigned to your neighborhood. If your HOA is using a dumpster for trash collection, the association should contract with any of the approved commercial haulers.

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What if my trash cart is damaged?

You may request a replacement cart by calling your hauler or Solid Waste Management Call Center at 770.822.7141.

Can I request a smaller trash cart?

If you prefer a 65-gallon trash cart, contact your hauler  or Solid Waste Management Call Center at 770.822.7141 to arrange for delivery of the smaller cart.

When will I receive my trash and recyclable cart after establishing new service?

Your trash hauler will deliver your carts within five business days of establishing service. If you have not received your carts, contact your hauler or Solid Waste Management Call Center at 770.822.7141 to arrange for delivery.

Can I use my own trash can or set out bags?

Please use the cart provided by your hauler.

I live in a townhome complex. Will haulers provide smaller trash carts on request?

Your hauler will provide a 65-gallon cart instead of the standard 95-gallon cart upon your request.

Can I leave my cart out on the street in between collection days?

No. Please put it out no earlier than 3:30pm the day before your collection day and remove it no later than the day after.

What if the cart lid does not close because of excess trash?

The cart lid should be closed for proper collection. Trash will not be collected if it is outside the cart unless you call your hauler at least one business day in advance of your collection day.

Can I request an additional trash cart?

If your household requires collection of more than the 95 gallons of waste per week provided in the basic service, you must contact your hauler to order an additional cart. Your hauler will assess a cart delivery charge and an additional monthly fee for this service will be billed directly by the hauler.

Who is responsible for fixing broken or cracked carts?

Your hauler is responsible for buying, assembling, delivering, maintaining, and replacing carts that are damaged due to normal wear and tear. All carts remain as property of the hauler. Damage resulting from customer misuse is the responsibility of the customer.

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