Memphis, TN Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- System
- Single-stream curbside recycling
- Container
- City-issued blue recycling cart
- Accepted
- Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, cans, glass
- Not Accepted
- Plastic bags, food waste, Styrofoam
- Collection
- Weekly: check schedule via 311
Summary
Memphis provides curbside recycling collection through a separate blue recycling cart. Recycling is single-stream, meaning all accepted recyclables go in one cart. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-#7), aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles. Contaminated items, plastic bags, and food waste should not be placed in the recycling cart. Recycling is collected on the same day as trash but may be on an alternate schedule.
Curbside recycling is provided for all single-family homes and multi-family housing complexes of seven (7) units or fewer. The Solid Waste Management Division provides fee-paying households a 96-gallon recycling cart to collect paper, cardboard, plastics (#1 - #7), aluminum and steel cans, glass bottles and jars, and clean milk/food cartons. It is all "single stream, no sort" recycling. If you see an OOPS sticker placed on your cart, that is a warning that non-recyclable material was found in your recycle cart. In order for Solid Waste Management to service your recycling cart, the violating materials must be removed. Curbside recycling is collected weekly, along with household solid waste.
Full Breakdown
Memphis mandates curbside recycling for paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and plastics #1-#5. Residents must separate recyclables from trash using provided bins. Contaminated bins containing food waste, plastic bags, or non-recyclable items may be rejected. Tennessee recycling goals encourage diversion from landfills. Multi-family properties above a certain unit count may have additional commercial recycling requirements. Yard waste and food scraps may have separate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I recycle in Memphis?
Is recycling mandatory in Memphis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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