DeKalb announces temporary change to trash pickup schedule

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County is moving to protect its sanitation workers as summer temperatures soar.

The county announced that Solid Waste Management will begin residential collection routes at 6 a.m. starting Monday, July 13, and ending Tuesday, Sept. 1.

“The temporary one-hour adjustment is part of the department’s seasonal heat mitigation strategy designed to reduce employees’ exposure to high temperatures while maintaining reliable service to DeKalb County residents,” a news release from the county said. “Residents are asked to place garbage, recycling and yard trimmings at the curb before 6 a.m. on their scheduled collection day during the temporary schedule change.”

Solid Waste Management Director Eugene McKinnie said the county prioritizes the safety of its employees.

“By beginning collection routes earlier in the day, we can help reduce heat exposure for our frontline teams while continuing to provide the dependable, high-quality service our residents expect,” he said. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience as we implement this temporary schedule adjustment.”