Nashville, TN Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Container duty
- Owner must provide approved bins
- Curbside window
- 7 p.m. day before to 7 p.m. pickup
- Scavenging
- Removing recyclables from bins is unlawful
- Metro pickup area
- Urban Services District only
- Fine
- Up to $50 per day
Summary
Metro Nashville requires every premises to keep lidded, director-approved containers for garbage and recyclables, set out only in a fixed evening window before collection.
At all times, it shall be the duty of the owner of every premises where garbage is created or accumulated to keep or cause to be kept a sufficient number of containers approved by the director for the deposit of garbage and recyclables generated on the premises. Lids or covers must be provided for all such containers and they shall be kept tightly closed at all times... Containers may be placed for collection along public alleys, streets and sidewalks only between 7:00 p.m. the day before collection and 7:00 p.m. on the collection day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Code of Laws § 10.20.110 makes it the owner's duty to keep enough director-approved containers for both garbage and recyclables generated on the premises, with lids kept closed except while depositing or removing material. Containers may sit at the curb, alley, or sidewalk only between 7:00 p.m. the day before collection and 7:00 p.m. on collection day; otherwise they must be stored at the side or rear of the property. Metro-supplied containers stay Metro property and must be repaired or replaced by the owner if lost or damaged. Scavenging recyclables from any container is separately banned. The department's own curbside pickup of recyclables runs in the Urban Services District; General Services District residents get recycling through their private hauler's required plan under § 10.20.105.
Violations & Fines
Violating this chapter draws a fine of not more than fifty dollars per day the violation continues, per § 10.20.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my recycling bin out any time?
Does the city pick up recycling everywhere in Davidson County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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