Mableton City Council Passes New Sanitation and Recycling Ordinance to Create a Cleaner, Greener City

The Mableton City Council has approved a new sanitation and recycling ordinance aimed at improving waste management, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the city’s cleanliness. The ordinance, which was passed during a special-called meeting on Tuesday, January 28, establishes guidelines for solid waste collection, strengthens anti-littering efforts, and expands access to recycling services.

Under the new ordinance, residents will continue to have the ability to choose their own trash service provider, provided the hauler is registered and approved by the City of Mableton. Additionally, all waste haulers will now be required to offer recycling services. The ordinance also makes littering officially illegal within city limits and includes accommodations for disabled residents by allowing them to receive off-curb trash collection service.

To support these efforts, the ordinance includes an Environmental Management Fee (EMF), which is set at 6% for residential waste collection and 13.5% for commercial service. The revenue generated from this fee will fund city beautification initiatives, public trash receptacles, anti-littering programs, and sanitation enforcement. Additionally, the ordinance introduces a Waste Vendor Sustainability Incentive Program, which encourages haulers to adopt environmentally friendly practices by offering financial benefits for using alternative fuel and electric vehicles for trash collection.

Mayor Michael Owens emphasized the significance of the ordinance, highlighting the collaborative effort behind its passage.

“This ordinance represents a year of dedicated work and community engagement,” said Mayor Owens. “It is an important step toward a cleaner, more beautiful Mableton. The new guidelines will not only improve sanitation services but also foster greater pride in our city.”

District 2 Councilwoman Dami Oladapo also expressed her appreciation for the public’s involvement in shaping the ordinance. “It’s been a long road of discussion, trying to make sure we craft what works for our community and trying to make sure we engage the public in the process,” she said. “We’ll continue to get the opportunity to refine this (ordinance) based on what we hear from our residents and what our community needs.”

The ordinance will be implemented in three phases:

• Phase 1 (Now – February 26): Public education and outreach to inform residents and businesses.

• Phase 2 (February 26 – March 26): Establishing contracts with approved waste haulers.

• Phase 3 (Starting April 1): Full implementation, including the assessment of the Environmental Management Fee and the launch of sustainability incentives.

Mayor Owens reaffirmed the city’s commitment to ongoing improvements. “We are taking a significant step forward as a community,” he said. “I am excited about what this means for Mableton’s future.”

For more information and to review the full ordinance, visit www.mableton.gov/council-meetings.

Haulers with questions can contact Director of Sustainability, Waste and Beautification Emily Groth by phone at 470-413-6327 or by email at emily.groth@mableton.gov.