Kingsport, TN Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Two sections of the Kingsport Code govern the cart on both ends of collection day. Section 86-29(c) covers set-out and pull-in. The producer places automated residential containers and recycling containers adjacent to the alley or curbside, facing the street properly, in the location designated by the director or designee, no sooner than 24 hours before scheduled pickup. The producer then removes all automated residential containers and recycling containers from the alley or curbside within 24 hours after the day of collection. Service will not be provided if the containers are not placed at the proper location at the time of collection. The director is the director of public works of the city or designee under section 86-1.

Section 86-30 covers where the cart lives the rest of the week. Under subsection (b), all solid waste and solid waste refuse containers on property used as residential must be stored behind the front building line of the dwelling. They shall not be stored in the front yard, as defined in section 114-1, or on front porches where they are clearly visible from any street. Subsection (c) makes the rule a duty of both the owner and the occupant: no owner or occupant of a property used as residential can permit or allow containers to be stored in violation of the section, every such owner or occupant must prevent the property from being used in that manner, and both the owner and the occupant can be found in violation for the occupant's failure to comply. That reaches landlords of rental homes directly.

Section 86-30(a) adds that the city supplies and owns the automated residential container assigned to each resident, and that containers removed from residents are considered stolen and processed through the courts. Section 86-4 requires containers to be secure from overturning and scattering by dogs or other animals, and says waste placed outside the container will not be collected by the city.