Nashville provides curbside recycling collection every other week through Metro Public Works. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics #1-7, glass bottles, and metal cans. All recyclables go in a single 96-gallon cart — no sorting required. Contaminated items or plastic bags are not accepted in curbside recycling.
Nashville operates a single-stream recycling program where all accepted recyclables are placed in one cart. The program accepts paper (newspapers, magazines, office paper), flattened cardboard, plastic containers #1-7, glass bottles and jars, and aluminum and steel cans. Items must be empty, clean, and dry. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and food-contaminated paper are not accepted and contaminate recycling loads. The city also operates recycling drop-off centers for additional materials. Commercial properties must arrange private recycling service.
Contaminated recycling carts may be tagged with a notice and left uncollected. Repeated contamination may result in suspension of recycling service. There are no fines for failing to recycle, as participation is voluntary.
Nashville, TN
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Nashville, TN
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Nashville, TN
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See how Nashville's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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