Fulton County

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my Solid Waste bill calculated? Back to top: Solid Waste fees are comprised of a base rate, recycling fee, and a calculated fee for frontage.

Is my mortgage company responsible for paying my Solid Waste bill? Back to top: If your mortgage company pays your property taxes, you may want to contact them regarding arrangements for payment of this Solid Waste fee.

Why is commercial property billed for Solid Waste when we pay a private company? Back to top: Each parcel of land in the City of Atlanta is assessed a Solid Waste fee. Commercial property is only charged for the frontage amount for street cleaning and common good services, such as right of way cutting, de-littering, dead animal pick-up, illegal dumping and storm debris removal.

What are the rates for commercial property? Back to top: Frontage at $7.60 per foot in all areas receiving street cleaning at a frequency of three to six times per week; $3.70 per foot of street frontage for property located in all areas receiving special thoroughfare street cleaning at least once a week, in addition to street cleaning at the same frequency as residential service (once per three weeks); $2.89 per foot of street frontage for all other commercial and industrial property receiving street cleaning at the same frequency as residential (once per three weeks); $0.67 per foot of unpaved street frontage for commercial and industrial property abutting unpaved streets to cover rubbish collection cost.

Why do I have to pay for property that is vacant land? Back to top: There is a charge for street cleaning that is based on the parcel type and zone, regardless of how the land is used. This charge covers street cleaning, illegal dumping, dead animal removal, and other street related maintenance costs.

Do I still have to pay a Solid Waste bill even if no one is residing on the property? Back to top: Yes. It is the policy of Solid Waste Services not to pro-rate charges because a residential structure is unoccupied. There is no mechanism to start and stop residential service based on occupancy. However if the property is deemed unfit for human habitation by the City of Atlanta Bureau of Housing and Code Enforcement, the property owner can provide documentation for review

If I reside on residential property and utilize a private service, do I still have to pay for Solid Waste? Back to top: Yes. According to the City ordinance, the City of Atlanta is charged with the responsibility of the removal of household garbage from residential family dwellings.

What is the definition of street frontage, and what does it cover? Back to top: Street frontage is defined as that portion of the street in front of your property. The services under this fee include community cleanup activities such as street sweeping; servicing of litter receptacles placed around the city’s public places and common area, neighborhoods, parks, and downtown area; dead animal pick up; clearing of right-of-ways, illegal signage removal; disposal of debris from evicted tenants and vacant lot clean ups, storm debris removal and illegal dumping.

If I am selling my property, am I still responsible for the bill? Back to top: Yes. If you owned the property on January 1, you are responsible for payment of the bill. However, if contractual arrangements for the payment were made during closing, you may want to contact your closing attorney.

If I reside in a condominium and our complex utilizes a private company, why do we have to pay for Solid Waste? Back to top: Condominium complexes that utilize a private pick up service are only charged for street maintenance and common good services. If you have received a bill that you feel is incorrect, please contact your condominium association representative to ensure that the City of Atlanta has a record of the private service contract.

When were Solid Waste fees separated from the property taxes? Back to top: Solid Waste fees (formerly Sanitation) were a part of the property tax bill until 1998. The City of Atlanta collected this fee from 1999 until 2002. Any outstanding balances due for years 1999-2002 should be paid to the City of Atlanta. Solid Waste fees for years 2003 and after should be paid to the Fulton County Tax Commissioner.

Will Solid Waste fees be put back into the property taxes? Back to top: Currently, there are no discussions regarding this issue.

How long do I have before a lien is placed against my property for Solid Waste for fees? Back to top: The property owner will received proper notification of our intent to issue a FiFa (lien) 30 days prior to a lien being placed on a delinquent Solid Waste account.