Some cities offer special trash services for items destroyed in flood

By Ralph Ellis

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

What should flood victims do with soaked carpet and ruined furniture?

A few cities have special pickup programs, but most residents of unincorporated areas need to contact their private trash haulers or carry garbage to the landfill. Landfills usually charge fees. Extra help may come if FEMA gives the go-ahead. “If FEMA tells us we can bring in contractors, we’ll bring in contractors,” said Wes Tallon, the Douglas County communications director.

COBB COUNTY

Cobb County Solid Waste Transfer Station at 1897 County Services Parkway, Marietta. Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 770-528-2500 or www.solidwaste.cobbcountyga.gov.

Austell: The city has brought in dumpsters and is using heavy equipment to load debris. Residents are advised to place debris on the curb for later pickup, or rent a private dumpster. Keep receipts in case the pickup becomes a reimbursible expense. 770- 944-4325.

Powder Springs: Starting Monday, the city will handle debris removal. Debris should be placed in front of the residence, just off the road. Separate household and yard debris. Cut tree branches into 3-foot lengths. 770-943-8010.

Kennesaw: Trucks will pick up in hard-hit areas starting today. Next Saturday, a truck will visit areas with less damage. 770-421-8582 or www.kennesaw-ga.gov.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Cedar Mountain Landfill at 1730 County Services Road, Douglasville. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 770-920-3133, extension 106, or www.celebratedouglascounty.com.

Douglasville: The sanitation department will pick up water damaged items starting next week on a case-by-case basis. Call 770-920-3005 or e-mail sanitation@ci.douglasville.ga.us.

DEKALB COUNTY

Seminole Road Landfill at 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Proof of DeKalb residency required. 404-244-4896 or www.co.dekalb.ga.us.

FULTON COUNTY

Merk Drop-off Facility at 3225 Merk Road, College Park. For South Fulton residents only. Open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday. 404-629-1700.

Atlanta: Place flood-related debris at curb and contact public works. 404-330-6215

Roswell: The city will pick up flood-damaged items today for current Roswell Sanitation customers only. Pickup service may be extended to Sunday, Monday and the following weekend. 770-641-3715 or 770-641-3961.

GWINNETT COUNTY

The Gwinnett branch of Waste Industries, one of the county’s biggest haulers, has drivers on standby for the weekend. 678-328-1650, ext. 56015

S&W Landfill
at 421 Thunder Road, Buford. Open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (subject to weather conditions). Takes yard and household waste. 770-945-1771.

BFI/Richland Creek Landfill at 5691 South Richland Creek, Buford. Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. 11 a.m. Saturday. Takes construction debris and household waste. 770-271-3575.

PAULDING COUNTY

Receptacles have been placed in four of the worst-hit neighborhoods.West Ridge Church will lead a cleanup effort on Saturday.

Landfill at County Services Road, Dallas. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 770-445-5356.