Athens-Clarke County has announced a new service that is a matter of life and death – or rather, after death. Starting January 5, 2026, Athens animals that have shuffled off the mortal coil will be collected courtesy of the local Solid Waste Department. Residents who find deceased creatures of a certain size can now reach out for pick-up of these animals from the street or curb.
The service has a size requirement for the animals in question. "Animals must be the size of an armadillo, raccoon, opossum (or larger) to qualify for collection", according to a recent ACC government announcement. This new policy speaks to an effort to maintain public health and the aesthetics of local neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to contact the Solid Waste Department directly by email at [email protected] or by phone at 706-613-3501 (Option 7) to request collection.
Officials advise that if an animal carcass is found in public parks or along local trails, residents should contact ACC Leisure Services at 706-613-3801 for assistance. The department is responsible for handling animal removal in these public areas.
The Athens-Clarke County (ACC) government advises that if an animal carcass is found on private property, disposal is the responsibility of the property owner. In such cases, officials recommend contacting a licensed wildlife removal company. Property owners may also transport the animal to the ACC Landfill, where disposal fees apply. ACC officials note that animal carcasses located on private property are not handled through county removal services.
Any further questions or comments are likely to find their answers on the ACC government website or through direct communication with the aforementioned departments. As Athens-Clarke County rolls out these new services, it will be crucial to observe how the community reacts and adapts to the process of managing its animal afterlife logistics.
