Memphis Trash Pickup & Garbage Schedule 2026

The City of Memphis says weekly garbage cart collection, weekly recycle cart collection, and up to two bags of yard waste stay on a regular weekly schedule. Excess yard debris and outside-the-cart bulky waste such as tree limbs and furniture are handled separately through a bi-monthly service that runs twice each month on your regular collection day.

How to Find Your Memphis Trash Pickup Day (Fast Lookup)

Memphis collection days are address-based, so the easiest way to stay accurate is the city’s schedule tool. It helps you confirm your weekly cart day and keep track of recycling and current service notices.

1. Open the official schedule tool. Go to Memphis Recycles.
2. Check your collection date. Use the schedule section to confirm your regular waste collection day.
3. Review all service types. Remember that garbage and recycle cart collection stay weekly, while outside-the-cart bulk service is only twice each month.
4. Use 311 for issues. If a cart is damaged, missing, or service was missed, call 901-636-6500.
5. Watch provider notes. Some Memphis homes are city-serviced while some are serviced by Team Waste, so holiday changes can differ.

Memphis Trash Pickup Schedule: What Runs When

Memphis keeps the core system simple for regular household service. Garbage and recycling carts stay weekly, limited yard waste stays weekly, and bigger curbside piles follow the separate outside-the-cart cycle.

The city also says residents can take one truckload of non-hazardous waste to the landfill each month if they pay the solid waste fee, and can use Solid Waste Convenience Centers on weekends.

Memphis Garbage, Recycling, Yard Waste, and Outside-the-Cart Bulk

Memphis uses different collection streams so crews can handle regular household service faster and keep heavy or oversized items out of the weekly cart route.

For bagged yard waste, Memphis says the waste must be organic only and separate from construction debris. If your yard waste was skipped, the city recommends checking for a warning tag explaining why.

Memphis Set-Out Rules

Memphis collection rules focus on spacing, timing, and safe curb placement. These small details make a big difference in whether the crew can service your address on the first pass.

• Place carts at the curb no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the day before collection.
• Remove carts by 8:00 a.m. the day after collection.
• Keep carts and curbside trash within 3 feet of the street.
• Allow at least 4 feet of clearance from cars, hydrants, mailboxes, utilities, and other fixed objects.
• Cart lid should face the street and the handle should face your house.
• Do not overload carts or leave lids open.

Memphis Outside-the-Cart Bulk Waste Pickup

Memphis calls this Outside the Cart collection. It is a bi-monthly service, meaning it runs twice each month on your regular collection day for excess yard debris and bulky items such as tree limbs and furniture.

Common outside-the-cart items include:

• Furniture
• Tree limbs
• Excess yard debris beyond the weekly bag allowance
• Other bulky items that do not fit into the regular cart

1. Wait for the correct pickup cycle. Outside-the-cart service is not weekly.
2. Keep the pile near the street. Memphis says bulky waste piles should be within 3 feet of the street.
3. Stay under the volume limit. Bulky waste piles must not exceed 10 cubic yards total.
4. Trim tree debris correctly. Tree debris must be less than 5 feet long and less than 13 inches in diameter.
5. Keep piles clear of obstacles. Do not place bulky piles near fences, parked cars, mailboxes, trees, or low branches.

Memphis 2026 Holiday Trash Schedule

Memphis does not use one simple holiday rule for every provider or every holiday. The city has posted 2026 holiday-specific updates, and those updates show that service changes can vary depending on whether you are served directly by the City or by Team Waste.

Because Memphis publishes these updates holiday by holiday, the safest move is to check the city schedule tool or call 311 before any holiday week instead of assuming a universal one-day delay applies.

What to Do If Memphis Missed Your Pickup

If your cart or curbside pile was out correctly but not serviced, Memphis recommends checking for a warning tag first and then contacting 311 for help.

1. Check for a warning tag. Memphis often explains skipped yard waste or other rejected material with a tag.
2. Review your timing and spacing. Confirm the cart was set out within the allowed window and had enough clearance.
3. Make sure the material was eligible. Construction debris, overloaded carts, and blocked piles can all cause missed service.
4. Call 311. Use 901-636-6500 to report damaged carts, missing carts, or missed pickup issues.
5. Check holiday or weather updates. Memphis posts collection adjustments during winter storms and holidays, and residents may need to leave carts out until service is completed.

Memphis Convenience Centers and Disposal Options

Memphis residents who need an extra disposal option can use the city’s Solid Waste Convenience Centers or the landfill allowance described by the city. These are especially helpful during cleanup weeks or after storms.

Bring proof: The city says you should have your latest MLGW bill and a photo ID when using the convenience centers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis Trash Pickup

Official Memphis Trash Collection Resources

Reminder: In Memphis, weekly cart service and outside-the-cart bulk service are different programs. Check your address-based schedule before placing anything extra at the curb.