Memphis, TN Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
Carts should be placed at curbside for trash pickup after 5:00 pm the day before or before 7:00 am the day of collection. Carts should be removed from curbside by 8:00 am the day after regularly scheduled collection. Handle trash responsibly by bagging it, sealing/tying the bags and closing/securing the lid on the cart. Every week, customers are allowed to place up to two 60-gallon bags of yard waste outside of their cart. If a residential customer needs more space to store their waste, they can lease a second garbage cart for $10.00 each per month. Make sure to provide unobstructed access to your carts at the curb by clearing surrounding vehicles, objects, powerlines or overhanging tree limbs.
Full Breakdown
Memphis requires trash and recycling bins placed at the curbside or alley edge on collection day with lids fully closed. Bins should face the street with handles toward the house, spaced at least three feet apart and away from parked cars, mailboxes, or utility poles. Bins left out beyond the allowed window may trigger code enforcement action. Between pickups, bins must be stored out of public view.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I position my trash cart in Memphis?
Where do I store my cart when it is not collection day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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