Atlanta Changes Garbage Pickup System Aug. 1

Buckhead will be included in the northwest and northeast quadrants under a new Atlanta garbage collection and recycling system that begins Aug. 1.

The new quadrant-based system is designed to allow for concentrated efforts in each area, bringing reduced carbon emissions and fewer missed pickups, according to information from the Department of Public Works.

Public works representative Teresa Smith said at the June NPU-C meeting that the change will also result in regular street sweepings in each quadrant. The new system was also explained at other NPU meetings.

The new program will result in monthly pickups of bulk items such as refrigerators and sofas, she said. Yard trimmings will be collected weekly.

When asked if the new system would result in piles of brush sitting out for long periods, she said, "my understanding is that this is intended to eliminate that kind of thing."

The northwest quadrant, including Buckhead areas, will have regular pickups,  on Thursdays. Northeast areas will have pickups on Mondays.

Northwest boundaries are the city limts to the north and west, Northside Drive to the east and I-20 west to the south. The Northeast boundaries are the city limits to the north and east, Decatur Street/DeKalb Avenue to to the south and Northside Drive to the west.

For more information, call 404-330-6333, or see the department's website.