Shelby County, TN Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Bulky refuse def.
- Sec. 44-87
- Threshold
- Over 75 lbs / 35 gal
- HHW facility
- 6305 Haley Rd, Memphis
- Waste tires
- 2800 Chelsea Ave.
Summary
Shelby County's litter-control code defines 'bulky refuse' as discarded appliances, furniture, and inoperable vehicles over 75 pounds or 35 gallons. In unincorporated areas, bulky items go through a private hauler's bulk service or lawful disposal; the county also runs a Household Hazardous Waste facility and a Waste Tire site.
Bulky refuse means discarded appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, water tanks, washing machines, discarded furniture, and inoperable motor vehicles, or similar bulky materials having a weight greater than 75 pounds and/or volume greater than 35 gallons.
Full Breakdown
Section 44-87 defines 'bulky refuse' as discarded appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, water tanks, and washing machines, discarded furniture, inoperable motor vehicles, or similar bulky materials weighing more than 75 pounds or exceeding 35 gallons. Because most unincorporated Shelby County lacks countywide curbside service, residents arrange bulky-item removal through a private hauler's bulk-container service (section 44-64), which must meet Health Department requirements. The county operates a Household Hazardous Waste facility at 6305 Haley Road, Memphis, open to residents Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., for paints, chemicals, and limited electronics. Whole tires, banned from landfills, go to the county waste-tire site (Memphis Tire Recyclers, 2800 Chelsea Ave.). Dumping bulky items on roadsides is illegal littering.
Violations & Fines
Dumping appliances, furniture, or inoperable vehicles on property or roadsides instead of using lawful bulk disposal. Treated as littering under Chapter 44 (fine up to $50 per offense); tires and hazardous items must go to county waste-tire and HHW sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of an old appliance?
Where do hazardous items and tires go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee trash & recycling overview
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