Division Overview

To provide an efficient, cost-effective, sustainable, and integrated solid waste management program for residents and businesses within our service area, with a sustained focus on customer service excellence.
 

The division is cognizant of the need to remain fiscally and environmentally responsible in the face of rising operating costs, as well as maintain an integrated and sustainable business model. The implementation of once-a-week collection service in 2015 has streamlined sanitation collection processes to more than 173,000+ households through simplified scheduling, collection route optimization, standardized containers, and consolidated collection.

In 2016, the division transitioned to county-issued garbage and recycling roll carts as the only approved garbage and recycling containers. In 2019, the division integrated the industry-leading automated side-loader (ASL) collection trucks into its service fleet. In 2020, the division transitioned from a 65- to a larger capacity 95-gallon garbage roll cart as the standard garbage container.  In 2020, the division also began its ongoing transition to online residential and commercial service request platforms. In 2024, the division launched the enQuesta commercial customer billing platform, as well as various residential service request and payment platforms. 
   

The division’s coverage area comprises unincorporated DeKalb, and the cities of Brookhaven, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stonecrest, Stone Mountain and Tucker.

Residential services
Special collections.
Roll-off container rentals.
Collection service for disabled residents. 
Garbage, recycling, yard trimmings, and bulky item collections.

Commercial services
Roll-off container rentals.     
School recycling program.
Garbage, recycling, and special collection services.

Other services
Animal crematory. 
Compost operation. 
Various landfill services.
Electric vehicle charging stations.
Joint solid waste management plan with cities.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations.
Renewable energy facility. Click here for an overview.
 

With oversight by the director, the division comprises 640+ employees in six operational units:

Payroll & Personnel.
Communications/public relations.
Collections (residential and commercial; safety).
Processing (transfer stations and animal crematory).
Disposal (county-owned Seminole Road Landfill).
Administrative services (call center and in-person lobby services).