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Trash & Recycling in Bessemer, AL (2026)

4 verified trash & recycling rules for Bessemer, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Bin Placement Rules

Bessemer garbage cans and rubbish containers must keep lids tightly fitted except when in use, under Code of Ordinances section 90-63. Cans cannot go out for collection before 5:00 p.m. the evening before pickup and must come off the street between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. under section 90-65.

Bessemer Garbage Cart Placement and Set-Out Times

Some Restrictions

Bessemer Code of Ordinances §§ 90-63, 90-65

The lids or covers of garbage cans or special garbage and rubbish containers shall be kept tightly fitted thereon at all times other than when garbage or rubbish is being deposited in such container. All garbage cans or special garbage and rubbish containers shall be so kept and maintained as to prevent the access of flies therein and the soiling of the ground, floor or structure upon which the...

Illegal Dumping

Dumping refuse, litter, or debris on a Bessemer street, public thoroughfare, or within 20 yards of one is unlawful under Code of Ordinances section 90-2. If the dumping comes from a vehicle, the driver is presumed the offender under section 90-3, and violators face the Code's general penalty.

Bessemer Illegal Dumping Ordinance

Some Restrictions

Bessemer Code of Ordinances §§ 90-2, 90-3

No person shall dump, deposit, place, throw or leave refuse, paper, litter, rubbish, debris, filthy or odoriferous objects, substances or other trash upon a street or public thoroughfare of the city or the right-of-way therefor, or within 20 yards of a street or other public thoroughfare in the city. ... If an offense described above is committed from a motor vehicle, the driver of the vehicle ...

Dumpster Rules

Bessemer limits a business, commercial or industrial premises to four garbage or rubbish cans at a time. Once trash volume outgrows four cans, the owner or operator must install a special garbage and rubbish container and pay for its own collection service instead of stacking additional cans on site or in the adjacent right-of-way.

Bessemer Commercial Dumpster Container Rule

Some Restrictions

Bessemer Code of Ordinances §§ 90-69(c), 90-71

(c)There shall not be maintained upon any premises devoted to business, commercial or industrial use or in any public way, where permitted, adjacent thereto in excess of four garbage or rubbish cans at any one time, containing garbage, rubbish or trash to be collected or picked up by the city. ... (a)Any person conducting or operating a business, commercial or industrial establishment or operat...

Collection Schedule

Only a city council franchised hauler may collect garbage or trash on Bessemer streets and alleys under Code of Ordinances section 90-29. Every dwelling, restaurant, or business that generates garbage must keep enough garbage cans or containers on-site to hold it under section 90-32, and deposit it there for city pickup.

Bessemer Mandatory Garbage Service Rules

Some Restrictions

Bessemer Code of Ordinances §§ 90-29, 90-32(a)

Any person operating a garbage pickup or trash removal service and operating on the streets and alleys of the city shall obtain a franchise from the city council prior to the commencement of business. ... (a)Any owner or person in charge or control of any dwelling, hotel, restaurant, delicatessen or store where food for human consumption is prepared or kept for sale, or any other place where ga...

Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bessemer city rules.

Trash & Recycling in Jefferson County