Knoxville, TN Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Max branch length
- 10 feet
- Max branch diameter
- 12 inches
- Stumps
- not collected
- Mixing prohibited
- no garbage with yard waste
Summary
Knoxville collects brush and leaves from residential properties on a regular schedule, but branches must be under 10 feet long and 12 inches in diameter, and stumps and mixed garbage are never accepted.
Residential yard waste shall include brush, leaves, grass cuttings and garden trimmings, weeds, and roots from which all dirt has been removed. Each residential property owner within the limits of the city shall be entitled to have brush and leaves collected from each parcel of real property owned by him on a regular basis as designated by the Director; provided that any such pickup will be refused unless the property owner, his agent or tenant in charge of the premises shall comply with the following conditions:(1)No garbage, refuse, bulky trash, or demolition materials is to be intermingled with the leaves, brush or branches to be collected.(2)All leaves, brush or branches authorized for collection shall be placed as near as practicable to the roadway in front of the premises without blocking the roadway or any sidewalk or drainage ditch.(3)All brush or branches to be collected shall be sized so that no such branch exceeds ten (10) feet in length or twelve (12) inches in diameter. Stumps will not be collected.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 13-168, Knoxville's public service department collects yard waste, brush, leaves, grass clippings, garden trimmings, weeds, and cleaned roots, from every residential parcel on a set schedule. Branches longer than 10 feet or thicker than 12 inches in diameter, and tree stumps, are excluded. Piles must be placed near the roadway without blocking sidewalks or drainage ditches, and kept free of garbage, bulky trash, or demolition debris. The program does not cover branches cut by professional tree services, commercial-property debris, or yard waste generated by new construction, grading, or lot development.
Violations & Fines
Yard waste that breaks the size limits, includes stumps, or is mixed with garbage or bulky trash is simply refused for collection under § 13-168; repeated illegal dumping of excess debris can trigger the general Code penalty, § 1-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Knoxville collect tree stumps as yard waste?
Can I put yard waste out with my bulky trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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