Tuscaloosa, AL Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Placement is governed by Chapter 16, Article IV. Section 16-95 requires garbage carts, recycling bins and trash to be placed at the curb before 6:00 a.m. on collection day, and prohibits any cart or bin from remaining on the curb more than 24 hours after collection. 'Curb side' is defined in Section 16-90 as the area just behind the curb in front of the premises (or, where alleys allow collection, the rear), positioned so as not to block traffic, pedestrians or sidewalks. Section 16-94 makes it unlawful to place trash, recyclables, litter or waste beside or adjacent to carts or dumpsters, and bars placing waste on any street, sidewalk or public right-of-way. Nonresidential premises with usable rear or side access must set carts at the rear or side rather than the front curb (Sec. 16-94(d)). The city's Environmental Services Division adds operational guidance: place carts more than three feet from other carts, recycling bins, trash piles, parked cars, mailboxes, fences and fire hydrants; do not place carts beneath low-hanging power lines or branches; and remove carts from the city right-of-way by 8 a.m. the day after collection. Historic District properties may not store carts in front yards and have specific placement requirements.