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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County curbside
None; residents hire private haulers
Junk storage
Prohibited on residential lots
Inoperable vehicle
Not stored over 48 hours
Vehicle ordinance
O-12-09-101
Enforcement
Knox County Code Administration

Summary

Knox County has no curbside trash service, so there are no set trash-cart setout times, but open storage of junk and debris is prohibited on residential lots. Abandoned or inoperable vehicles cannot be stored on private property, which is enforced alongside container and blight rules by Code Administration.

City-specific rules exist: Knoxville has its own bin placement rules rules that differ from Knox County's county-level regulations. If you live in Knoxville, check the city-specific page instead.

An abandoned or inoperable vehicle cannot be stored on public or private property for more than 48 hours. There will be cases where an abandoned inoperable vehicle will be given a 30 day notice to remove when it is on a private property and is in violation of the ordinance.

Full Breakdown

Because Knox County provides no county curbside collection, container-setout timing rules like a city's do not apply in the unincorporated county; residents contract privately for carts. What the county does enforce is the prohibition on open storage of junk and debris (the dirty lot ordinance) and on storing abandoned or inoperable vehicles on residential property. Under the county Vehicle Ordinance (O-12-09-101), an abandoned or inoperable vehicle cannot be stored on public or private property for more than 48 hours, though a 30-day notice to remove may be given on private property. City of Knoxville and Farragut residents follow their own municipal container and storage rules.

Violations & Fines

Inoperable vehicles are tagged by a Codes Enforcement Officer and must be removed within 48 hours of tagging; if not, Knox County removes the vehicle at the owner's expense. Junk storage is abated at owner cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Knox County set trash-cart setout times?
No. The county has no curbside collection, so there are no county cart-setout hours; residents who hire a private hauler follow that company's schedule.
Can I keep an inoperable car in my yard?
No. Under the county Vehicle Ordinance, an abandoned or inoperable vehicle cannot be stored on private property beyond the allowed period and may be tagged and removed at your expense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Knox County

All Knox County rules

Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee trash & recycling overview

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