Solid Waste

This article explains how Autauga County’s solid waste program operates for residents who live outside municipal limits. You’ll find step-by-step guidance for setting up mandatory household trash service, preparing and placing your cart correctly, using the County’s free rural dumpsters for bulky items, applying for the annual Social Security Exemption, and locating official county contacts. Every section below is written to help you comply with Autauga County requirements and get reliable, clean service throughout the year.

Understand the Autauga County AL Solid Waste System and Your Responsibilities

Autauga County requires mandatory household trash pickup for residences in the unincorporated areas. The County contracts with a private hauler to make curbside collections, while the County itself oversees compliance, education, and coordination through its Solid Waste Officer. This arrangement is designed to keep roadsides clean, control pests and odors, and ensure that waste is handled in a way that protects public health.

The County’s Solid Waste Officer serves as your point of contact for program oversight, ordinance compliance, and resident support. The County’s official Autauga County Solid Waste page provides program links, service details, and planning documents. If you’re new to the area, start there to understand how service is organized, what the County expects at the curb, and which resources are available for bulky waste and rural dumpster days.

Start Service the Right Way: Steps, Timelines, and Expectations

Starting service is straightforward, but getting the details right avoids missed collections and frustration. Autauga County states that household trash pickup is mandatory. To begin service or to discuss billing or service questions, residents must contact the County’s contracted vendor by phone. The County’s garbage preparation for Meridian Waste customers page explains how to set up service and what to do to ensure your household waste gets collected without delay.

What to expect when you start service

Cart delivery and identification: You’ll receive a cart that remains the property of the hauler. Do not remove the cart if you move.

Account verification: The County uses a quarterly-colored sticker system to mark active accounts. Place the sticker on the front of the can, facing the road so that it is visible to collection crews.

Pickup schedule: Your weekly pickup day is determined by your address. Service typically occurs the same weekday each week, except for holiday adjustments announced by the hauler or County.

When to set your cart out

Place all material curbside by 5:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Early placement prevents missed service if the route runs earlier than usual.

Bring your cart back from the curb after collection to keep rights-of-way clear.

Prepare and Place Your Cart Correctly to Avoid Missed Collections

Correct cart preparation saves time for crews and prevents litter. Autauga County’s official guidance emphasizes simple but important placement and preparation rules:

Bag It, Tie It, and Keep It Contained

All household trash should be bagged and tied before being placed in the cart. This keeps loose debris from blowing out during mechanical tipping and deters animals.

Everything must fit inside the provided cart. If the lid cannot fully close, wind and animals can scatter waste, and crews may not service overfilled carts.

Set the Cart in the Right Spot

Place the cart within 5 feet of the roadway, with at least 5 feet of clearance from mailboxes, parked vehicles, additional carts, fences, or landscaping.

Orient the cart correctly: set it so the lid opens toward the street and the handles face your house. This aligns the container with the truck’s mechanical lifter and prevents spills.

Keep Hazardous Materials Out of the Cart

No hazardous materials are allowed in the household trash cart. Items such as chemicals, fuels, motor oil, batteries, and certain electronics require special handling outside of the regular curbside program. When in doubt, do not place questionable materials in your cart.

For a one-page preparation overview residents can save or print, review the County’s Dumpster Information Flyer. While the flyer focuses on the County’s dumpster program (covered below), it reinforces the County’s expectations about proper preparation and conduct at solid waste sites.

Use the County’s Free Rural Dumpsters for Bulky Items: What, Where, and When

Autauga County supplements weekly curbside service with free rural dumpster days designed for bulky items and rural trash that do not fit in your cart. This program is particularly helpful during clean-outs, small remodeling projects (within residential limits), or when you’re disposing of large household items.

How the Free Dumpster Program Operates

First come, first served. The County places one dumpster per day at each designated site.

Operating window: Each site operates from 8:00 a.m. until the dumpster is full or 12:00 noon at the latest.

No returns after full: When a dumpster reaches capacity, the truck leaves and does not return that day. Plan to arrive early, especially during spring cleaning or after storms, when usage is heavy.

Monthly Schedule and Locations

2nd Saturday of each month: Pine Level — Co Rd 59 & Hwy 31 N
3rd Saturday of each month: Joffre — Co Rd 40 W & Co Rd 69
4th Saturday of each month: Milton — Co Rd 40 W & Co Rd 1 N

Residents can preview sites and plan drop-offs using the County’s official Map of Dumpster Locations. This map is updated and maintained by the County to reflect current placements and routes.

What to Bring—and What to Leave Home

Appropriate items: Large, non-hazardous household goods that won’t fit in your cart, bagged rural trash, and bulky debris that the weekly cart service cannot accommodate.

Not appropriate: Hazardous materials, liquids, and prohibited wastes. If a material is not allowed in the cart due to safety concerns, do not bring it to a County dumpster site.

To make the most of your trip, load your vehicle so you can unload quickly, sort items before arrival when possible, and follow on-site staff directions. Never leave items on the ground if the dumpster is full; doing so is considered illegal dumping.

Keep Collections Running Smoothly: Common Causes of Service Delays and How to Avoid Them

Understanding what disrupts operations helps you avoid missed pickups and keep neighborhoods clean:

Late set-outs: If your cart hits the curb after 5:00 a.m., the truck may have already passed. Setting out the night before—or very early morning—ensures service.

Blocked access: Vehicles parked too close, carts huddled together, or carts placed under low limbs can prevent the mechanical arm from lifting your container. Maintain 5 feet of side clearance and overhead clearance.

Loose or wet debris: Unbagged waste can freeze in winter, break apart during tipping, or blow away on windy days. Always bag and tie.

Wrong cart orientation: If the lid faces the house, the lift may crack the lid or spill contents. Remember: lid faces the street; handles face the home.

Overfilled carts: If the lid cannot close, material may spill or jam the lifter. Hold overflow for the next week, or plan to use a rural dumpster day for bulky disposals.

Mandatory Program, Clear Prohibitions: Protecting Health and the Environment

The County’s mandatory system exists to protect public health. Bags that are tied, carts that are closed, and loads that are secure reduce risks of animal attraction, blown litter, and odors. The County’s rules also prohibit certain materials—including hazardous wastes—from both curbside carts and County dumpsters.

If you are uncertain about a specific item, check County guidance first. Many materials that can harm people, trucks, or the environment require specialized handling outside of household trash service. When in doubt, set the item aside and seek clarification from County resources listed on the official Solid Waste page or by contacting the Solid Waste Officer.

If You Move, Leave the Cart: Ownership and Account Notes

Autauga County’s hauler owns the carts it provides. If you move, do not take the cart with you. Your cart is assigned to the service address and helps the County and hauler track inventory and maintain routing accuracy. Taking the cart can delay service for the next resident and may result in replacement charges.

Active accounts are also marked with County-issued stickers in a designated color for each quarter. Keep your sticker current and positioned on the front of the cart, visible to collection vehicles. If a sticker becomes damaged or missing, request a replacement through the hauler’s customer service line as directed on the County’s garbage preparation page.

Social Security Exemption: Who Qualifies, What to Submit, and When to Apply

Autauga County offers a Social Security Exemption that can cover the cost of collection for the following year, but the criteria are specific and the timeline is strict:

Determine Your Eligibility

You may qualify only if your entire household income comes from Social Security payments or disability benefits.

If any other type of income is present in the household, you are not eligible.
Eligibility is determined each year; there is no automatic renewal.

Apply During the Annual Window

Applications are accepted September 1 through November 30 for the next year’s coverage.

You must submit the County’s application, the questionnaire, and supporting documentation by November 30.

If your materials are not received by November 30, you must wait until the next year to apply.

Where to Apply and Where to Ask Questions

Applications are processed by the Autauga County Health Department (Environmental/Environmental Health). For office contact details, see the Autauga County Health Department contact page maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).

If you need a local orientation to health-department services that intersect with solid waste, you can also consult our site’s local Health Department page for navigation support.

To avoid a lapse, gather documents early in September. If you’re newly eligible, confirm your household’s income sources align with the County’s criteria before you complete the packet.

Rural Residents: Match Your Disposal Method to Your Material

Weekly cart service is your default disposal method for regular household trash. When you have more than your cart can handle, use County dumpster days for bulky, non-hazardous material. This two-tier approach keeps curbside routes efficient while offering a safe outlet for occasional large loads.

Use your cart for:

Bagged kitchen and bathroom trash
Light household refuse that fits with the lid closed
Weekly, routine waste generated by the household

Use County dumpsters for:

Large items (furniture, certain non-hazardous bulky debris)
Bagged rural trash from property cleanups
Occasional overflow that cannot be safely contained in your cart

Never place in cart or dumpster:

Hazardous chemicals, fuels, oils, or solvents
Automotive batteries and certain electronics
Any material the County or state deems hazardous or restricted

Planning ahead—by timing cleanouts to coincide with the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Saturday County dumpster rotations—helps ensure you arrive before capacity is reached.

Troubleshooting: Missed Pickup, Damaged Cart, Route Questions

Even with careful preparation, you may occasionally need assistance:

Missed pickup: Verify you set your cart out by 5:00 a.m., it’s within 5 feet of the road and clear of obstructions, and the lid faces the street. If all conditions were met, consult the County’s garbage preparation page for the hauler’s customer service number and report the miss as soon as possible.

Damaged or missing cart: The hauler services and replaces carts. Report broken wheels, cracked bodies, or faulty lids to customer service.

Route changes or weather delays: Severe weather or holiday schedules may shift routes. If you suspect a change, confirm via the hauler contact listed on the County’s preparation page or check County announcements.

Document issues with photos when practical, especially if access was blocked by roadwork or a fallen limb. Clear obstructions before the next service day to avoid repeat misses.

Illegal Dumping and Litter: Community Standards and How to Respond

Illegal dumping harms property values, clogs drainage, and creates public health risks. Autauga County treats dumping at non-designated locations—including leaving debris outside a full County dumpster—as a violation. Residents can help by:

Using official sites only: Bring bulky material only to the County’s designated Saturday dumpster locations and within the operating window.

Securing loads: Cover and tie down materials in transit to prevent litter along roads.

Reporting issues: If you observe chronic dumping spots or hazards near public rights-of-way, notify the County through the contacts listed on the Solid Waste page or contact the Solid Waste Officer for guidance on next steps.

Community cooperation keeps costs down and ensures the program remains available for all residents.

Service Day Readiness: A Household Checklist You Can Use Every Week

A consistent routine makes weekly service trouble-free. Use this checklist the night before your pickup day:

Bag and tie all trash.

Load the cart so the lid closes completely.

Check for prohibited items (no hazardous waste).

Roll the cart within 5 feet of the roadway, clear of cars, fences, mailboxes, and other carts by at least 5 feet on all sides.

Orient correctly: lid toward the street, handles toward the house.

Confirm sticker visibility (quarterly color on the front of the can facing the road).

Set out by 5:00 a.m. (or the evening before).

If bad weather is forecast, consider wind exposure and place the cart where it is less likely to tip while remaining accessible to the truck. After collection, return the cart from the right-of-way to reduce clutter and keep routes safe.

Long-Range Planning: What the 2024–2034 Solid Waste Management Plan Means for Residents

Autauga County maintains a forward-looking plan for the decade to guide infrastructure, operations, and program policies. The official document is posted as the 2024–2034 Solid Waste Management Plan. While highly technical, it gives residents insight into how the County intends to manage growth, sustain service quality, and align with state requirements. Highlights for residents include:

Efficiency and coverage: The plan supports route optimization and equipment standards that maintain reliable weekly pickups across rural roads and subdivisions.

Public health alignment: Coordination with environmental health priorities ensures household waste remains contained and properly handled.

Public education: Continued emphasis on preparation rules (bagging, cart placement, hazardous waste prohibitions) reduces litter and vehicle wear, keeping costs stable.

Convenience programs: Sustaining the rural dumpster days helps households handle seasonal spikes and bulky disposals without turning to improper dumping.

Residents benefit when they follow preparation rules, use County programs correctly, and communicate service issues promptly—these behaviors directly support the plan’s goals.

Where to Find Official Instructions, Flyers, and Maps

Autauga County publishes authoritative resources that answer common resident questions in plain language:

The central hub for rules, updates, and program contacts is the Autauga County Solid Waste page.

Step-by-step curbside setup and placement rules are summarized on the County’s garbage preparation for Meridian Waste customers page.

For a quick visual of rural dumpster days and locations, see the Map of Dumpster Locations.

For program norms and on-site etiquette, refer to the Dumpster Information Flyer.

For broader County departments and phone listings (including the Solid Waste Officer), consult Autauga County Contact Information.

These resources are maintained by the County and are the best references for day-to-day questions about what to set out, how to prepare it, and where to take bulky items on Saturdays.

Health and Solid Waste: How Environmental Health Supports Residents

Solid waste management and public health go hand-in-hand. Proper storage and weekly collection of bagged household trash helps control insects, rodents, and odors, and reduces the risk of water contamination. The County coordinates with environmental health professionals to ensure that storage, collection, and site operations uphold state public health standards.

If your household qualifies for the Social Security Exemption or you have compliance questions tied to environmental health, use the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Autauga County Health Department contact page to connect with the local office. For residents navigating county services through our site, the local Health Department page also provides a convenient way to orient yourself to related services and locations.

Know the County Hubs: Where to Call for County-Level Help

Many resident questions are resolved quickly by contacting the appropriate County office. The Autauga County Contact Information directory lists department names and direct phone lines so you can reach the right team without delay. If you have a solid waste question that isn’t about billing or cart replacement—such as program rules, illegal dumping, or rural dumpster operations—the Solid Waste Officer is your best County contact. For general county government questions, the Administrator Office can steer you to the correct department.

Ordinances and Standards: Why Compliance Matters

Autauga County’s solid waste rules are grounded in County resolutions and public health standards. Program requirements—including mandatory household pickup, proper containerization, and prohibitions on hazardous materials—are designed to protect both the community and the County’s infrastructure:

Worker safety: Properly bagged, non-hazardous material reduces injuries and equipment damage.

Environmental protection: Preventing illegal dumping and restricting hazardous substances protects soil, groundwater, and streams.

Neighborhood quality: Tidy roadsides and regular pickup bolster property values and reduce pests.

Fairness and consistency: Mandatory service ensures everyone contributes to keeping the county clean.

Residents help maintain a strong, cost-effective system by following the County’s preparation rules, using official drop-off sites, and communicating promptly about service problems.

Storms, Holidays, and Special Situations: Staying Ready Year-Round

Severe weather and holidays can influence collection timing. Here’s how to stay prepared:

Before storms: Make sure trash is bagged and the cart lid closes tightly. If high winds are forecast, place the cart where it’s less exposed but still accessible for the truck.

After storms: If household trash includes spoiled food due to power outages, double-bag it to control odors and leakage. For vegetative debris, follow County guidance for disposal—do not put branches or heavy yard waste in the household cart if it risks jamming the lifter.

Holiday shifts: Routes may run early or be shifted to adjacent weekdays. Check the County’s guidance and the hauler’s announcements (as posted on the County’s pages) for any temporary changes.

Moving In or Out: Account Continuity and Cart Logistics

When moving into Autauga County’s unincorporated areas, call to set up service promptly so your account is active before your first collection day. When moving out, leave the cart at the service address for the next resident. If you’re a landlord or property manager, ensure new tenants understand that service is mandatory and that carts must remain on site.

A quick orientation for new occupants—confirming the pickup day, cart placement, sticker visibility, and prohibited materials—prevents messes and keeps the neighborhood compliant from day one.

Coordinating Household Projects with Solid Waste Services

Home projects often generate material that regular curbside service isn’t designed to handle. Plan ahead to match your disposal route to your project timeline:

Small room clean-outs: Stage bagged trash across two weekly collections if needed; use County dumpster days for bulky, non-hazardous items like small furniture.

Minor repairs: Keep sharp objects safely contained; avoid placing heavy construction debris that could crack the cart or exceed the truck’s lift capacity.

Seasonal cleanups: Align garage or attic cleanouts with the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Saturday dumpster schedule, and aim to arrive near 8:00 a.m. to avoid capacity closures.

If you’re unsure whether an item belongs in the cart or at a County dumpster site, consult the Solid Waste Officer through the County contact directory.

Departments and Offices (Solid Waste Relevant) — Addresses and Phone Numbers

Solid Waste Officer — 135 North Court Street, Suite B, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 358-6749

Autauga County Administrator Office — 135 North Court Street, Suite B, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 358-6700

Autauga County Solid Waste FAQs

Is weekly household trash pickup required for county residents?

Yes. Autauga County operates a mandatory household trash collection program administered by the County and serviced through its contracted hauler. Program details, updates, and official documents are maintained on the County’s [Autauga County Solid Waste] page.

How should I set out my cart so it gets serviced without delays?

Follow the County’s placement and preparation standards: bag and tie household trash before it goes in the cart; keep all material contained with the lid fully closed; place the cart within about five feet of the roadway and at least five feet from obstacles; face the lid opening toward the street with the handles toward the home; set out by 5:00 a.m. on your collection day; and keep the current quarterly sticker visible on the cart’s front. Hazardous materials are not allowed, and carts remain the property of the hauler when you move. Full instructions are on [Garbage Preparation for Meridian Waste Customers].

When and where can I use the free rural dumpsters for bulky items?

The County provides first-come, first-served Saturday dumpsters for rural trash and bulky household items. Service begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends when the container is full or by noon, with one dumpster placed per site per service day. Locations include Pine Level (2nd Saturday), Joffre (3rd Saturday), and Milton (4th Saturday). Site locations are shown on the official [Map of Dumpster Locations]; once a container reaches capacity, it is removed and does not return that day.

Who qualifies for the annual Social Security Exemption and when do I apply?

Households whose entire income is from Social Security or disability benefits may apply for an exemption that covers the following year’s collection cost. Applications must be submitted annually—there is no automatic renewal—and the filing window runs from September 1 through November 30. Applications and processing are handled through the local health department; see the [Autauga County Health Department (ADPH) page] for the County’s instructions and links to the forms.