Kingsport, TN Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Section 86-29 of the Kingsport Code sets the collection rhythm for solid waste the city collects. Subsection (a) requires the producer to place solid waste in automated residential containers that stay covered at all times except when being emptied or filled. The producer furnishes the containers and keeps them in good repair, and must have enough containers to hold one week's accumulation of solid waste, but not more than four automated residential containers per residence or business. Section 86-1 defines an automated residential container as a 38- or 95-gallon universal roll-out cart supplied by and owned by the city and all replacements and weighing not over 250 pounds.

Subsection (b) fixes the frequency: collection is made once each week from the curbside or alley, or at such other place as the director may designate, except for back yard service. The director means the director of public works of the city or designee under section 86-1. Subsection (e) lets the city provide residential producers with weekly back yard pickup of solid waste, excluding yard waste. A household that takes that service must comply with any additional regulations issued by the director and pay a fee set by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. A residential producer means a structure containing two or fewer residential living units occupied by not more than two families, so larger properties fall under the nonresidential rules of sections 86-31 and 86-32.

Yard waste runs on a separate cycle under section 86-35: residential yard waste is removed from each residence once every other week. Ashes under section 86-39 are also collected once every other week. Section 86-29(f) closes the loop: solid waste not placed as the section provides is removed from the premises by the producer at his expense, and noncomplying containers are not emptied by the city.