The Public Works Department provides a wide range of services that have significant economic impact, improve people’s lives and help define the quality of life for residents and visitors. The department’s core services include maintenance and repair of the city’s infrastructure (streets, curb, gutters, and right-of-way); cemetery operations; stormwater maintenance; environmental services; refuse collection and recycling services; fleet maintenance; and capital project management.

Need information about burning? http://fire.cobbcountyga.gov/marshal_burn.htm

Maintain Streets

The Street Department is responsible for maintaining the city’s infrastructure (streets, curb, gutters, sidewalks and right-of-way) as well as the city-owned cemetery. Services include inspecting, repairing and replacing streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and traffic control signs, street sweeping and mowing of city right-of-way. The Department also has its own sign shop for making street and traffic control signs for the city.

Collect Trash

The Sanitation Department is responsible for the collection of garbage and recycling within the city limits for all residential and commercial areas. Garbage is collected once a week on designated days Tuesday through Friday. The city provides 95-gallon trash containers to most residential locations. Yard waste (green waste) is collected every Monday when placed at the curb by 7 am. Bulk material collection is available for an extra fee based on the item, size, weight, and collection time required to pick up the material. Payment will be added to the resident’s utility bill. Click on the Sanitation tab for detailed information about the city's sanitation program.

Provide recycling services

Why recycle?

• Reduces operating costs for the city by delaying or eliminating future rate increases
• Saves space in landfills and keeps down the cost of disposal
• Environmentally the right thing to do

Currently, the citywide recycle rate is 14%. A recent pilot program which introduced wheeled recycle carts to several neighborhoods improved the rate to 30%. The citywide goal is 40%.

Recycle materials are collected one day a week. The city uses a “single stream” recycling program meaning all recyclables are comingled in one container. For more details click here.

The city has an environmental group called Keep Kennesaw Beautiful appointed by Mayor and Council which works diligently to build awareness of the value of recycling and holds electronic recycle events twice a year. Look for recycle news and events sponsored by the Committee on the home page.

Keep Equipment Repaired

The Fleet Maintenance Shop manages and maintains all city vehicles and equipment including police vehicles, sanitation trucks, heavy equipment, and small engines. They also oversee the fueling facilities and procurement.

Manage Stormwater

The stormwater utility is responsible for the management and maintenance of the stormwater system that protects our water sources from pollution and improves the overall water quality. Some of the services provided by the stormwater program include:

• Flood protection
• Improved water quality
• Stormwater system cleaning and repair
• System replacement, design and construction
• Public education and outreach
• Erosion control and pollution prevention
• Major project management
• Regulatory compliance
• Watershed evaluation

Provide Project Management

The Environmental Specialist Coordinator and the Engineer / Project Specialist work with various projects within the city limits, and work with the Building Services and Planning & Zoning departments on Plan Review.