Chattanooga, TN Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Size threshold
- Over 50 lbs or 30 gal
- Scheduling
- Call city to schedule pickup
- Set-out window
- No more than 24 hrs early
- Placement
- 3 feet from other objects
- Annual cap
- 12 pickups per property/year
Summary
Chattanooga residents must call the city to schedule bulky-item pickup, furniture and appliances over 50 pounds or 30 gallons, and can't set items at the curb more than 24 hours before the scheduled date.
"Residential bulky trash" shall include household appliances, discarded furniture, or similar bulky materials having a weight greater than fifty (50) pounds and/or a volume greater than thirty (30) gallons. Residents who place such bulky trash at the curb for disposal must notify the City of Chattanooga to arrange for a scheduled pick up. No bulky trash may be lawfully set out for collection more than twenty-four (24) hours before such scheduled pick up
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 18-86(a), residential bulky trash, household appliances, discarded furniture, or similar items weighing over 50 pounds or exceeding 30 gallons, must be scheduled with the City of Chattanooga before it goes to the curb. Items go out no more than 24 hours ahead of the scheduled pickup, placed at least 3 feet from other objects and clear of the roadway, sidewalks, and drainage. No garbage or yard trash can be mixed in, and hazardous materials, liquids, tires, or construction debris are barred outright. Each address is capped at 12 bulky-trash collections per rolling 12-month period.
Violations & Fines
Under Sec. 18-86(h), violating this article can mean a citation to Chattanooga City Court and the maximum fines and civil penalties allowed by law: each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I put bulky trash at the curb in Chattanooga?
How many bulky trash pickups does Chattanooga allow per year?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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