Kingsport, TN Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Subsections (d), (f) and (h) of section 86-29 of the Kingsport Code control where and how the City of Kingsport, Tennessee picks up waste. Under subsection (d), except for back yard service, all solid waste, whether household waste, yard waste or other types of waste, shall only be placed for collection at or near a public street or alley that is improved by asphalt or concrete paving or by spreading of gravel of sufficient width and depth to provide support for the type of vehicle used to make the collections. The sufficiency of the street or alley improvements is decided by the director, who considers the weight of the service vehicle, the area needed to maneuver and turn it, and any other matter affecting safety or efficiency of waste collection operations. Section 86-1 defines the director as the director of public works of the city or designee.

Subsection (h) requires all solid waste covered by the section to be placed adjacent to the alley or curbside in such a way as not to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or at such location as the director may designate. Subsection (f) states the consequence in plain terms: solid waste not placed as provided is removed from the premises by the producer at his expense, and noncomplying containers will not be emptied by the city. A related rule in section 86-4 says any waste placed outside the refuse container will not be collected by the city, and refuse containers must be made secure from overturning and scattering of the contents by dogs or other animals.

Bulk and special items follow their own pickup rules. Section 86-37 has furniture and appliances collected on an on-call basis after the producer calls the public works department, and the city does not accept any refrigerator or freezer unless the door has been removed. Section 86-36 limits tree stumps, trunks, limbs and roots to lengths not longer than six feet with each piece not exceeding 50 pounds.