Louisville, KY Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Setout window
- 4 p.m. day before to 6 a.m. collection day
- Container removal
- by 4 p.m. the day after collection
- Frequency
- weekly disposal required
- Governing body
- Louisville Metro Department / Waste Management District
Summary
Every residence in Louisville Metro must have weekly solid waste collection, and Urban Services District households must set out carts by 6 a.m. on collection day.
It shall be the duty of the owner of every residence and the owner and occupant of every commercial or industrial establishment to provide for not less frequent than weekly disposal of solid waste, except recyclables and yard waste when the owner or occupant has either employed or has been provided services of once every other week collection as provided in section 51.300(C)(3).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Metro Code § 51.500 makes weekly solid waste disposal mandatory for every residence and commercial or industrial property, met by hiring a private hauler, using a municipal hauler, or Urban Services District service. Within the Urban Services District, § 51.405(B) sets the actual schedule: garbage, recycling, and yard waste must go out no earlier than 4:00 p.m. the day before collection and by 6:00 a.m. on collection day, then containers must come off the right-of-way by 4:00 p.m. the following day. Home rule cities inside Jefferson County, such as St. Matthews or Jeffersontown, run their own collection contracts and are not bound by this Metro chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 51's solid waste provisions is a civil offense under § 51.999, with fines and remedies set out in that penalty section; owners without a municipal hauler must be able to show a paid receipt from their private collection service on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Louisville household have to use Metro trash collection?
What time do I need to put my cart out in Louisville Metro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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