How Memphis Handles Trash & Recycling: A Practical Guide

Memphis maintains 200 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with trash & recycling. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Memphis falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Bulk Item Disposal

Memphis provides bulk waste pickup for items that do not fit in the standard roll cart. Residents must call 311 or use the Memphis 311 app to schedule a bulk pickup. Items should be placed at the curb on the scheduled date. Accepted items include furniture, mattresses, appliances, and large household items. Hazardous waste, tires, and construction debris are not accepted through bulk pickup and must be taken to designated drop-off locations.

Key details: Scheduling: Call 311 or use Memphis 311 app. Accepted Items: Furniture, mattresses, appliances, large items. Not Accepted: Hazardous waste, tires, construction debris. Placement: At curb on scheduled date. Cost: Included in city services for residents.

Illegal dumping: $500 to $5,000 fines. Placing bulk items out before scheduled date may result in $50 to $200 code enforcement citation.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Memphis provides weekly curbside trash collection through the Solid Waste Management Division. Residents receive a city-issued 96-gallon roll cart. Trash must be placed in the cart with the lid closed; loose bags beside the cart are not collected on regular pickup days. Collection schedules vary by neighborhood and can be checked through the Memphis 311 system. Bulky items require a separate pickup request. The city also conducts neighborhood cleanup events periodically.

Key details: Frequency: Weekly curbside collection. Container: City-issued 96-gallon roll cart. Cart Requirement: Lid must close — no loose bags. Schedule Lookup: Memphis 311 or city website. Bulky Items: Separate pickup request required.

Failure to follow schedule may result in missed pickup. Repeated violations of bin rules may incur $50 to $200 fines from code enforcement.

Recycling Requirements

Memphis provides curbside recycling collection through a separate blue recycling cart. Recycling is single-stream, meaning all accepted recyclables go in one cart. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-#7), aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles. Contaminated items, plastic bags, and food waste should not be placed in the recycling cart. Recycling is collected on the same day as trash but may be on an alternate schedule.

Key details: System: Single-stream curbside recycling. Container: City-issued blue recycling cart. Accepted: Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, cans, glass. Not Accepted: Plastic bags, food waste, Styrofoam. Collection: Weekly — check schedule via 311.

Contaminated bins may be tagged and skipped. Repeat contamination: $25 to $100 fine. Failure to recycle where mandatory: warning then fine.

Bin Placement Rules

Memphis residents must place their city-issued roll cart at the curb with the handle facing the house and the opening facing the street. Carts must be at least 3 feet from mailboxes, utility poles, parked cars, and other obstacles. Carts should be on a flat surface at the edge of the curb or street. On non-collection days, carts must be stored behind the front plane of the house or otherwise out of public view.

Key details: Cart Orientation: Handle toward house, opening toward street. Clearance: 3 feet from mailboxes, poles, vehicles. Surface: Flat surface at curb edge. Storage: Behind front plane of house on non-collection days.

Bins left out past deadline: warning first, then $25 to $100 per occurrence. Improperly placed bins may be skipped by haulers.

The Bottom Line

Memphis's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Memphis is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Memphis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.