5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Shelby County government does not provide universal curbside garbage collection in most unincorporated areas; residents typically contract a private hauler for service. The county sanitary code (Chapter 44) governs how garbage is stored. Northaven is an exception, where a county-contracted hauler collects trash weekly with bulk pickup twice a month.
Shelby County Code sec. 44-57 (Sanitary code authorized)
The county is authorized to establish a sanitary code for the disposal of garbage and rubbish within the county outside the corporate limits of all municipalities within the county.
Shelby County's sanitary code (Chapter 44, Division 2) governs how garbage containers are kept in the unincorporated county, requiring lids kept tightly closed and containers in safe, watertight condition. Bulk-container placement and pickup frequency must meet Health Department requirements; curb setout schedules are set by each hauler or city.
Shelby County Code sec. 44-63 (Refuse containers generally)
Lids or covers of such containers shall be kept tightly closed at all times other than when garbage is being deposited therein or removed therefrom... Containers having ragged or sharp edges or other defects shall be promptly replaced.
Shelby County's litter-control code defines 'bulky refuse' as discarded appliances, furniture, and inoperable vehicles over 75 pounds or 35 gallons. In unincorporated areas, bulky items go through a private hauler's bulk service or lawful disposal; the county also runs a Household Hazardous Waste facility and a Waste Tire site.
Shelby County Code sec. 44-87 (definition of bulky refuse)
Bulky refuse means discarded appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, water tanks, washing machines, discarded furniture, and inoperable motor vehicles, or similar bulky materials having a weight greater than 75 pounds and/or volume greater than 35 gallons.
Shelby County does not impose a mandatory residential recycling ordinance on unincorporated households; recycling is voluntary and arranged through private haulers. The county supports the regional solid-waste system through the Municipal Solid Waste Regional Board, a Household Hazardous Waste facility, electronics recycling, and the state-required Waste Tire Program.
Shelby County Code section 44-88 prohibits throwing, dumping, or depositing litter on another's or public property, and section 44-92 fines violators up to $50 per offense. Illegal dumping is prosecuted in the Shelby County Environmental Court, and Tennessee's litter statutes (T.C.A. 39-14-501 et seq.) add escalating criminal penalties.
Shelby County Code sec. 44-88 (Throwing, dumping, or depositing litter)
A person shall not throw, dump, deposit, or cause to be thrown, dumped or deposited, litter on property owned by another person, or on any public highway, street, or road, upon public parks or recreation areas, or upon any other public property, or maintain a nuisance on such property, except property legally designated for that use.
1 cities in Shelby County have their own trash & recycling rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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