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Nashville, TN Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Metro Code § 10.20.130
Where legal to dump
Approved disposal facility only
Private receptacle rule
Owner permission required
Fine
Up to $50 per day
Coverage
Countywide, both service districts

Summary

Metro Nashville bans dumping waste anywhere but an approved disposal facility or into someone else's private receptacle without permission, with fines running per day the violation continues.

A. It is unlawful for any person to dispose of or cause to be disposed any waste upon any property other than a disposal facility designated and approved by the metropolitan government. B. It is unlawful for any person to dispose of or cause to be disposed any waste in any private receptacle other than the person's own private receptacle or unless authorized to do so by the owner of the private receptacle.

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 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Metropolitan Code of Laws § 10.20.130 makes it unlawful to dispose of waste on any property other than a disposal facility designated and approved by Metro government, or to dump waste in a private receptacle that isn't the person's own unless the receptacle's owner allows it. The ban does not apply to private landfills. Section 10.20.090 sets enforcement: the Director's environmental enforcement officers investigate Chapter 10.20 violations, and a violation carries a fine of not more than fifty dollars for each day it continues. This is a Metro-wide rule reaching the whole General Services District, not just the Urban Services District.

Violations & Fines

Fine up to $50 per day the dumping continues, enforced by the Metro Water Services/Waste Services director's environmental enforcement officers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dump trash in someone else's dumpster in Nashville?
No. Metro Code § 10.20.130 bars dumping waste in any private receptacle that isn't yours unless the owner authorizes it.
What's the penalty for illegal dumping in Nashville?
Up to $50 for each day the violation continues, under Metro Code §§ 10.20.090 and 10.20.130, enforced by the department's environmental enforcement officers.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nashville

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsValet Trash RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Nashville rules

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