Chattanooga, TN Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Schedule
- Biweekly, same day as garbage
- Accepted plastics
- Numbered 1 through 7 only
- Container limit
- Up to 2 free bins per address
- Contamination penalty
- Citation or service revocation
Summary
Chattanooga collects recyclables biweekly in City-issued lidded bins, limited to clean aluminum, cardboard, paper, plastics numbered 1-7, tin cans, and food packaging: no glass or yard trash.
Recyclables placed out for collection must be placed inside City-issued recycle containers secured with a lid.(d)Only City-issued recycle containers will be serviced on recycle collection routes.(e)The City will only collect eligible curbside recyclable materials. Recyclable materials shall be collected as described in this section:1.Eligible curbside recyclable materials include all clean aluminum cans, cardboard, paper products, plastics stamped one (1) through seven (7), tin cans, and food packaging.2.It is unlawful to place contaminates that are not recyclable in a City recycle container or a privately owned receptacle marked 'Recycle.'
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Curbside recycling runs biweekly alongside weekly garbage service, with both set at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Recyclables must go inside a City-issued container secured with a lid; only City-issued containers get serviced on recycle routes. Accepted materials are clean aluminum cans, cardboard, paper products, plastics stamped 1 through 7, tin cans, and food packaging. Bathroom waste, glass, bulky items, construction debris, and yard trash are contaminants, and putting them in a recycle container can get a resident cited or their recycling service revoked. Each service location is eligible for up to two free bins.
Violations & Fines
Placing contaminants, glass, bathroom waste, construction debris, yard trash, in a City recycle container can draw a citation or have recycling service revoked under Sec. 18-52(e).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can go in my Chattanooga recycling bin?
How many recycling containers can I get in Chattanooga?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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