Shelby County, TN Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- County curbside
- Not countywide
- Most residents
- Private hauler
- Northaven
- Weekly + bulk 2x/mo
- Storage code
- Ch. 44, Div. 2
Summary
Shelby County government does not provide universal curbside garbage collection in most unincorporated areas; residents typically contract a private hauler for service. The county sanitary code (Chapter 44) governs how garbage is stored. Northaven is an exception, where a county-contracted hauler collects trash weekly with bulk pickup twice a month.
The county is authorized to establish a sanitary code for the disposal of garbage and rubbish within the county outside the corporate limits of all municipalities within the county.
Full Breakdown
In most unincorporated Shelby County, residents arrange and pay a private company directly for trash collection; the county does not run countywide curbside routes. The county sanitary code (Chapter 44, Division 2) still governs how garbage is stored, requiring covered watertight containers and authorizing private bulk-container pickup approved by the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department (section 44-63, 44-64). Sections 44-56 and 44-57 make this code apply outside the corporate limits of all municipalities. In the Northaven community, a company contracted with Shelby County Government picks up trash weekly, with bulk items twice a month, and a fee added to residents' utility bills. Residents inside Memphis or the suburban cities receive municipal collection, not county service.
Violations & Fines
Improper garbage storage, using unapproved containers, or unlawful disposal instead of arranging service. Health Department enforces sanitary-code storage rules (section 44-63 to 44-65); most unincorporated residents must contract a private hauler for pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county pick up my trash?
What rules apply to how I store trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee trash & recycling overview
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