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Knoxville, TN Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Requirement
Businesses must use containerized dumpster storage
Placement ban
No dumpsters in public right-of-way
Sight-distance rule
Can't block pedestrian or vehicle sightlines
Citation
Knoxville Code of Ordinances § 13-102
Penalty
Up to $50 fine plus $500 costs

Summary

Every business in Knoxville must keep solid waste in a containerized dumpster, and that dumpster can never sit in the public right-of-way or block sight distance for pedestrians and vehicles.

All businesses must provide adequate containerized storage of the solid waste generated by said business. Containers used for collection of commercial solid waste (commonly known as "dumpsters") shall not be placed in the public right-of-way nor in any location that restricts or impedes the movement or sight distance of pedestrians or vehicles traveling on a public right-of-way.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).

Full Breakdown

Knoxville City Code § 13-102 requires every business to provide adequate containerized storage for the solid waste it generates. The same section bars commercial dumpsters from the public right-of-way and from any spot that restricts or impedes pedestrian or vehicle movement or sight distance. The rule applies citywide in Knoxville, Knox County, and is enforced by the city's Public Service Department. No exemption is written into the section for temporary placement during collection.

Violations & Fines

The ordinance carries no listed fine, so Knoxville's general penalty applies: up to a $50 fine, up to $500 in administrative costs, or 30 days in jail, with each day a separate offense (§ 1-9).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a business put its dumpster in the street or alley right-of-way in Knoxville?
No. City Code § 13-102 flatly bars placing commercial dumpsters in the public right-of-way or anywhere they restrict pedestrian or vehicle sight distance.
What size or screening is required for a commercial dumpster in Knoxville?
The code doesn't set a size or screening standard in § 13-102: it only requires adequate containerized storage and bans right-of-way placement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Knoxville

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Knoxville rules

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