If you just moved to Cobb County, one of the first questions is a simple one: who picks up the trash? The answer depends on exactly where your house is, and it surprises a lot of people. Here's how residential trash collection works in Cobb County, where to find the county's own resources, and what to look for when you choose a hauler.

Cobb County Doesn't Run Trash Pickup

Cobb County government doesn't collect household trash. The county's Sustainability, Waste and Beautification Department says so directly on its garbage collection page: it does not provide trash collection services, and residents arrange service with private companies.

What the county does do is regulate those companies. Haulers that collect, transport or store solid waste in unincorporated Cobb have to follow the county's Solid Waste Ordinance and may need a county Solid Waste Permit. The county publishes a list of currently permitted haulers on that same page. It's a registration list, not a recommendation: the county is clear that the listing isn't an endorsement of any company's reliability or quality.

Unincorporated Cobb vs City Limits

This is the part that trips people up. Your mailing address and your city limits are two different things.

Unincorporated Cobb County. Large parts of the county, including much of East Cobb, aren't inside any city. Here you choose your own private hauler (or your HOA chooses one for the neighborhood).
Inside a city that runs its own service. The county's hauler page lists six municipal collection services: Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs and Smyrna. If you live inside one of those cities, check with your city before you hire anyone.
City of Marietta specifically. The City of Marietta requires residents inside city limits to sign up for the city's garbage service, and private haulers aren't allowed to collect garbage inside city limits (City of Marietta sanitation FAQ). The city's Sanitation Division handles weekly garbage, curbside recycling and yard waste collection for those homes (Sanitation Services).

Plenty of homes with a "Marietta, GA" mailing address are actually in unincorporated Cobb, outside Marietta city limits. Those homes use a private hauler. If you're not sure which side of the line you're on, check your property's jurisdiction with the county or city before you sign up for service.

What the County Handles (and Where to Find It)

Even though the county doesn't run curbside pickup, it does run or contract disposal sites you can use yourself. Its waste disposal page covers:

The county transfer station and landfill, for household and construction waste you haul yourself
A vegetative waste recovery center for grass, limbs, bushes and leaves
Special items like electronics, tires, appliances with refrigerant, used motor oil and antifreeze

For recycling drop-off locations, see Keep Cobb Beautiful's recycling drop-off areas. Check those pages for current hours and fees before you go. We don't handle hazardous waste, so the county pages are the right place for paint, chemicals and similar items.

How to Choose a Trash Hauler in Cobb County

If you're in unincorporated Cobb, you have real choices. A few things worth comparing:

Is the company permitted? Look for it on the county's permitted hauler list.
Weekly pickup. Confirm how often they come and what size bin you get.
Recycling. Is it included, an add-on, or not offered at all?
Yard waste. Do they take bagged yard waste with regular service, and how many bags?
Bulk items. Can they take furniture, mattresses and appliances when you need it, and how is it priced?
Contract terms. Is there a long-term contract or cancellation fee, or can you cancel anytime?
Price transparency. Is the monthly price published, or do you have to call for a quote?
Who answers the phone. When a pickup gets missed, can you reach a real person?

Where TrashTastic Fits

TrashTastic is a local, residential-only private hauler. We're on Cobb County's permitted hauler list (January 2026 registrations), and the county also lists us under door-to-door valet services. We serve homes in East Cobb and the Marietta area. Because of the city ordinance above, private haulers (including us) can't serve homes inside City of Marietta limits.

Weekly trash pickup from $29/month, with no contract.
Yard waste included: up to 3 paper bags a week. See our Cobb County yard waste guide.
Recycling and valet service available as add-ons.
Bulk pickup for subscribers, with a $250 minimum. See bulk trash pickup.
Customer service open 24/7 at (470) 664-3100.

The quickest way to know whether we serve your street is to check your address. You can also browse our service areas.

Quick Answers

Does Cobb County pick up trash? No. The county doesn't provide residential trash collection. Private haulers serve unincorporated Cobb, and some cities run their own service.

Can I pick any hauler if I live in Marietta? Only if you're outside Marietta city limits. Inside city limits, the city requires its own sanitation service.

Where do I take things my hauler won't pick up? Start with the county's waste disposal page.