Nashville, TN Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Yard waste in trash cans
- Banned since July 1, 2011
- Collection method
- Curbside stockpiles only
- Private property pickup
- Not collected
- Bags allowed
- Biodegradable, director-approved only
- Fine for violations
- Up to $50 per day
Summary
Metro Nashville bans yard waste from garbage containers and only picks it up as curbside brush stockpiles under the Department of Public Works' brush collection service, per Metropolitan Code of Laws § 10.20.085.
The brush collection service will only collect stockpiles of yard waste left at a location at the curb or the edge of the road or street or other locations approved by the director, provided, however, collection by the brush collection service may be in alleys when such alleys are utilized for collection of solid waste.C.No yard waste will be collected from private property or in an alley, except as otherwise provided in this section.
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
Since July 1, 2011, yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, brush, tree trimmings) may not go in solid waste containers: it's collected only as a separate curbside stockpile. The brush collection service picks up stockpiles left at the curb, road edge, or a director-approved spot (and in alleys already used for trash pickup), but will not collect yard waste from private property. Loose material can be bagged only in biodegradable bags approved by the director; non-biodegradable bags are left uncollected. This is general services district-wide Metro policy and does not reach the six satellite cities (Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill, Ridgetop), which run their own collection.
Violations & Fines
Placing yard waste in a garbage container, or violating any collection rule in this chapter, carries a fine of up to $50 per day the violation continues, enforced by Metro's environmental enforcement officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put grass clippings in my trash cart?
Will Metro collect yard waste piled in my backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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