5 rules for unincorporated Knox County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Knox County does not provide curbside pickup of any waste or recycling. Unincorporated residents either haul household waste free to one of the county's Convenience Centers or contract with a private hauler for curbside service.
Knox County Solid Waste (Convenience Centers)
Convenience Centers are self-service household waste and recycling drop-off facilities. There are no fees to use them.
Knox County runs no curbside collection, so there is no county bin-placement or setout-time rule for the unincorporated area. Residents who hire a private hauler follow that company's cart placement rules, or self-haul to a Convenience Center. City of Knoxville sets its own curbside placement rules.
Knox County residents can self-haul large items free to a Convenience Center, which accepts hot water tanks, furniture, and small demolition debris from home improvements. Quantity limits apply and some items are not accepted; centers are for Knox County residents only.
Knox County Solid Waste (Convenience Centers)
Knox County Centers will accept large items such as hot water tanks, furniture, small demolition debris from home improvements, etc.
Recycling in Knox County is voluntary, not mandatory. Residents drop recyclables free at Convenience Centers, which take plastic bottles/jugs labeled #1 and #2, mixed paper, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, scrap metal, and more. No plastic bags, Styrofoam, or food waste in recycling bins.
Knox County Solid Waste (Knox Recycles)
Knox County's recycling program has lower contamination rates because participation is voluntary and recycling participants mostly express a desire to 'do the right thing'.
Dumping trash on public or private property without permission is illegal statewide under Tennessee's littering law (TCA 39-14-502). Mitigated criminal littering (under 5 lbs / 7.5 cubic feet) is a Class B misdemeanor with a $500 fine; larger commercial dumping escalates to a felony. Report to Knox County Solid Waste
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