Infrastructure

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has successfully implemented an important improvement to waste management practices at apartment complexes and multi-family housing units throughout the county. The Board has officially adopted a new ordinance establishing dumpster requirements for these properties.

Addressing a Decades-Long Concern

The initiative was motivated by persistent issues that have impacted residents’ quality of life. Commissioner Robert Patrick, who made the motion to approve the measure, highlighted a particularly compelling case from District 1 that illustrates the need for these changes.

For decades, a long-term District 1 resident, Ms. DeSantis, has endured significant challenges due to improper waste management at an adjacent apartment building. Commissioner Patrick noted that documentation of these issues dates back to 1982, with photographs showing overflowing garbage containers behind her property. For more than 40 years, she has dealt with unsightly conditions, potential health hazards, animals and insects as well as unpleasant odors resulting from inadequate waste containment at the neighboring multi-family development.

“Enough is enough,” says Commissioner Patrick. “We’re better than that. It’s time to deal with these issues. This ordinance recognizes Ms. DeSantis, and others like her, who have shown steadfast determination to make these improvements for the quality of life she enjoys in her home and neighborhood.” 

During the meeting, Commissioner Patrick stated, “I believe that this ordinance will get us there,” and now that belief has become reality with the adoption of the new requirements.

A County-Wide Approach

The newly adopted dumpster requirements will benefit communities throughout DeKalb County. By establishing consistent standards for waste management at multi-family properties, the county aims to:

  • Reduce overflow of trash and debris into surrounding properties
  • Minimize odor and pest problems associated with improper waste management
  • Improve overall community aesthetics
  • Protect property values in neighborhoods with multi-family developments
  • Enhance public health and safety
  • Improve quality of life

Implementation of the New Ordinance 

With the Board’s approval of the ordinance, multi-family property owners will now need to comply with the new waste management standards. The Department of Planning and Sustainability will oversee the implementation, which includes:

  • Requirements for appropriate container sizes based on the number of units
  • Standards for dumpster placement and screening
  • Specific collection frequency guidelines
  • Enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance

Property owners will be required to bring their waste management practices into alignment with the new ordinance. 

A Victory for Community Advocacy

The adoption of this ordinance represents a victory for community advocacy and persistence. Commissioner Patrick applauded Ms. DeSantis for her decades-long effort to raise awareness about this persistent issue. She exemplifies how dedicated residents can drive meaningful policy changes that benefit entire communities.

“I”m proud to have helped establish these new requirements, recognizing that adequate waste management infrastructure is essential for maintaining clean, healthy, and desirable neighborhoods throughout DeKalb County,” says Commissioner Patrick.

Have questions or feedback? Contact the District 1 office at  district1@dekalbcountyga.gov.

DeKalb County to Explore New Dumpster Requirements for Multi-Family Properties

June 12, 2025

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has successfully implemented an important improvement to waste management practices at apartment complexes and multi-family housing units throughout the county. The Board has officially adopted a new ordinance establishing dumpster requirements for these properties.

Addressing a Decades-Long Concern

The initiative was motivated by persistent issues that have impacted residents' quality of life. Commissioner Robert Patrick, who made the motion to approve the measure, highlighted a particularly compelling case from District 1 that illustrates the need for these changes.

For decades, a long-term District 1 resident, Ms. DeSantis, has endured significant challenges due to improper waste management at an adjacent apartment building. Commissioner Patrick noted that documentation of these issues dates back to 1982, with photographs showing overflowing garbage containers behind her property. For more than 40 years, she has dealt with unsightly conditions, potential health hazards, animals and insects as well as unpleasant odors resulting from inadequate waste containment at the neighboring multi-family development.

"Enough is enough,” says Commissioner Patrick. “We’re better than that. It’s time to deal with these issues. This ordinance recognizes Ms. DeSantis, and others like her, who have shown steadfast determination to make these improvements for the quality of life she enjoys in her home and neighborhood." 

During the meeting, Commissioner Patrick stated, "I believe that this ordinance will get us there," and now that belief has become reality with the adoption of the new requirements.

A County-Wide Approach

The newly adopted dumpster requirements will benefit communities throughout DeKalb County. By establishing consistent standards for waste management at multi-family properties, the county aims to:

  • Reduce overflow of trash and debris into surrounding properties
  • Minimize odor and pest problems associated with improper waste management
  • Improve overall community aesthetics
  • Protect property values in neighborhoods with multi-family developments
  • Enhance public health and safety
  • Improve quality of life

Implementation of the New Ordinance 

With the Board's approval of the ordinance, multi-family property owners will now need to comply with the new waste management standards. The Department of Planning and Sustainability will oversee the implementation, which includes:

  • Requirements for appropriate container sizes based on the number of units
  • Standards for dumpster placement and screening
  • Specific collection frequency guidelines
  • Enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance

Property owners will be required to bring their waste management practices into alignment with the new ordinance. 

A Victory for Community Advocacy

The adoption of this ordinance represents a victory for community advocacy and persistence. Commissioner Patrick applauded Ms. DeSantis for her decades-long effort to raise awareness about this persistent issue. She exemplifies how dedicated residents can drive meaningful policy changes that benefit entire communities.

“I”m proud to have helped establish these new requirements, recognizing that adequate waste management infrastructure is essential for maintaining clean, healthy, and desirable neighborhoods throughout DeKalb County,” says Commissioner Patrick.

Have questions or feedback? Contact the District 1 office at  district1@dekalbcountyga.gov.

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