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

Section 17-104 of the Smyrna Municipal Code answers where trash containers go on collection day. Where alleys are used by the town refuse collectors, containers must be placed on or within six feet of the alley line, in a position that does not intrude upon the traveled portion of the alley. Elsewhere, containers go adjacent to and back of the curb. If the street has no curb, they go adjacent to and back of the ditch or street line. This is done at the times scheduled for collection of refuse, so containers are not meant to sit at the curb between collections.

After the truck has gone, the owner has a removal duty. As soon as practicable after the containers have been emptied, the owner must move them to within, or to the rear of, his or her premises and away from the street line until the next scheduled time for collection. Section 17-104 prints no screening or enclosure requirement, and it does not give an hour for set-out or return, only the schedule and as soon as practicable.

The container itself is regulated by § 17-103. Each owner, occupant, or other responsible person must provide and keep covered an adequate number of refuse containers. They must be strong, durable, and rodent- and insect-proof, with a capacity of not less than 20 nor more than 32 gallons, except that the maximum does not apply to larger containers the town handles mechanically. No refuse can be placed in a container until it has been drained of all free liquids.

Related rules round out the picture. Section 17-102 requires all persons within the town to keep premises clean and sanitary and free from accumulations of refuse except when stored as the chapter provides. Section 17-105 bars an unauthorized person from uncovering, rifling, digging into, or turning over another person's container, though public refuse containers can be used for their purpose. Refuse under § 17-101 excludes dead animals and fowls, body wastes, hot ashes, rocks, concrete, and bricks. Brush and leaves for the free chipper service fall under § 17-108, within four feet of the road edge.