DeKalb Solid Waste Management

Fall SWEEP Program Kicks Off this October

This October, DSWM's Solid Waste Environmental Enhancement Program (SWEEP) returns to bring county residents free bulky item pickup, a free paper shredding event, and neighborhood beautification services. Below is an overview of each program.

Free Residential Curbside Bulky Item Collection

For more information view the Residential Bulky Item Collection flyer.

Got a couch you've been meaning to get rid of, or an old dresser taking up space in the garage? SWEEP makes it easy.

There's no need to call ahead, fill out a form, or schedule a pickup. Just place eligible items at the curb by Thursday of your scheduled collection week, and crews will take it from there. No appointment required.

Collection happens on the Friday or Saturday following your regular service day, according to the schedule below:

Accepted: Furniture, appliances (no propane tanks), electronics, push mowers, lawn furniture, toys, bicycles, toilets, and playground equipment.

Not accepted: Riding mowers, pianos, auto parts, household hazardous or medical waste, tires, and special collection items like tree debris or construction materials.

Keep items curbside, accessible, and clear of hydrants, mailboxes, or anything that could impede collection. If something isn't collected on either scheduled date, contact DSWM's Customer Experience team, but items placed out after your window will require a prepaid fee.

Paper Shredding Event

Protect yourself from identity theft by securely shredding sensitive documents you no longer need, free of charge:

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. - noon
Where: Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur, GA
Who: DeKalb County residents only (proof of residency required; no commercial drop-offs)
Limit: Up to 10 standard-size boxes per vehicle; old financial statements, bills, tax records, and similar personal documents are welcome

For more information view the Free Paper Shredding Event flyer.

Shredding services provided by A1 Shredding & Recycling. Documents are shredded on-site.

Neighborhood Beautification

For more information view the Beautification Services flyer.

Throughout October, DSWM's Beautification Services team will provide litter abatement, mowing, and clearing of illegal dumping sites across predetermined areas of unincorporated DeKalb, helping restore neighborhoods and reduce the health and safety hazards that trash and overgrowth can create.

To request future beautification services, call 404-294-2010 or email beautify@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Quick Answers

What if my items aren't collected on either scheduled date?

Leave eligible items at the curb until collection is complete.

If servicing still hasn't happened, contact DSWM's Customer Experience team at 404-294-2900 or solidwaste@dekalbcountyga.gov.

What if I place items curbside after my scheduled service date?

Items placed out after your assigned free collection day will require a prepaid fee for servicing.

View the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Sheet for Additional Information

For general SWEEP questions, contact DSWM's Customer Experience team at 404-294-2900 or solidwaste@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Service Update:DSWM Returns to

Regular 7 a.m. Collection Start Time

DeKalb County's Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) is returning to its standard 7 a.m. start time for residential collection, effective Monday, September 28, 2026.

The change comes after a temporary shift to 6 a.m. in July, when DSWM moved up collection times to protect crews working outdoors during the summer's extreme heat. With cooler fall weather settling in, that early start adjustment is no longer needed.

“Our employees are at the heart of our service delivery, and this temporary adjustment reflected our commitment to supporting their well-being while continuing to provide reliable service to our residents,” said DSWM Director Eugene McKinnie. “As we return to our regular schedule, we remain focused on operational excellence and delivering exceptional service to the communities we serve.”

What residents should do: Place properly prepared collection materials at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on your designated collection day to avoid a missed pickup.

DSWM thanks residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the summer schedule change.

Questions? Call DSWM's Customer Experience team at 404-294-2900, email solidwaste@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.dekalbsolidwaste.com.

For more information view the Residential Collection flyer.