Chattanooga Trash Pickup Schedule, Recycling Day & Brush/Bulk Area Weeks 2026
Use this local resident guide to find your Chattanooga garbage and recycling collection day, understand biweekly recycling, check brush and bulk pickup area weeks, avoid rejected piles, use refuse centers, report missed pickup correctly, and reach official 311/Public Works resources faster.
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How does Chattanooga trash pickup work?
Chattanooga trash pickup schedule garbage collection is address-based. City garbage is collected weekly and should be placed curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day. Curbside recycling is collected biweekly. Brush and bulk trash are collected by area on a rotating schedule, and residents should place brush, bulk trash, bagged yard waste, and leaves in separate piles by 7:00 AM Monday of their scheduled collection week. Use the official GIS collection map or call 311 at (423) 643-6311 to confirm your exact address.
Chattanooga Trash Pickup Day Lookup — Use the Official GIS Map Before You Set Anything Out
Chattanooga garbage and recycling are not guessed by neighborhood name alone. The official map shows collection schedule information for properties inside city limits. It also helps residents avoid confusing City of Chattanooga service with Hamilton County, private haulers, apartment dumpsters, HOA arrangements, or nearby unincorporated areas.
Open the official GIS collection map
Use the City’s collection map and search your service address. Do not rely only on a neighbor’s route, because the map gives the most specific address-based direction.
Confirm garbage and recycling separately
Garbage is weekly. Recycling is every other week. Save both the day and the recycling pattern in your phone so the blue cart is not placed out on the wrong week.
Check brush and bulk area week
Brush and bulk trash do not work like a normal weekly cart. They follow a rotating area schedule. Use the brush/bulk map before setting out piles.
Call 311 if the address result is unclear
Call (423) 643-6311 if your address does not appear, you are near city-limit boundaries, or your property uses a special service arrangement.
Local resident tip: If you just moved into Chattanooga, verify whether your address is inside city limits before using this schedule. Some Chattanooga mailing addresses may not receive the same City collection service if they are outside municipal boundaries.
Chattanooga Garbage Cart Rules — Weekly Pickup, Bagged Trash, Lid Closed and Container Placement
Garbage collection begins at 7:00 AM and continues until routes are completed. The City says garbage must be placed curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day. Trash should be bagged to reduce odor, insects, spillage and animal problems. Collection crews will not pick up spills or litter caused by unbagged garbage, overfilled containers or scavenging.
Do This for Garbage Pickup
- Place the garbage container curbside by 7:00 AM.
- Bag household garbage before placing it in the container.
- Keep the lid completely closed.
- Place the wheels and handles against the curb.
- Point the arrows on the lid and front of the container toward the street.
- Remove the container from the curb after the scheduled collection day.
Avoid This
- Do not place garbage on the ground.
- Do not place garbage on top of the automated container.
- Do not overfill the container.
- Do not put safety or health-risk items inside the garbage can.
- Do not place the container in alleys, private driveways or privately owned parking lots.
- Do not approach collection equipment while it is operating.
| Placement Rule | Chattanooga Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Curb distance | Container must be within 2 feet of the curb. | Automated equipment needs the cart close enough to reach. |
| Obstruction clearance | Keep at least 3 feet from obstructions. | Mailboxes, poles, trees and carts can block the truck arm. |
| Vehicle clearance | Keep 5 feet from vehicles parked along the street. | Parked vehicles are one of the most common reasons carts are skipped. |
| Container direction | Wheels and handles against curb; arrows point toward street. | Wrong direction can prevent the truck from lifting the cart safely. |
Container note: Residential properties may lease up to two garbage containers. The City lists replacement/additional garbage containers at $75 each. For damaged containers, call 311 or submit a request; the damaged container should stay curbside until repaired or replaced.
Chattanooga Recycling Schedule 2026 — Biweekly Collection, Clean Materials and No Glass in the Cart
Chattanooga provides curbside recycling collections to households and businesses every other week. Recycle containers are listed as free of charge, and the City says customers may sign up online or call 311. Recycling should be placed curbside by 7:00 AM to ensure service.
Accepted Recycling Basics
- Clean and empty flattened cardboard.
- Clean and empty paper containers and cups.
- Newspapers, inserts, phone books, magazines, junk mail and office paper.
- Clean food and beverage cartons.
- Plastic bottles with necks only.
- Clean and empty plastic containers #1 and #2.
- Steel and aluminum bottles and cans.
Do Not Put in Recycling Cart
- No glass inside the recycle container.
- No wood debris or tree limbs.
- No clothes, food or large toys.
- No plastic bags.
- No yard waste.
- No aerosol cans.
- No food debris on recyclable materials.
Glass warning: The City says glass is not accepted inside the recycle container. Brown, green and clear glass should be taken to glass recycling locations rather than placed in the curbside cart.
Cart rule: Do not bag recyclables, do not put recyclables on the ground or on top of the container, break down cardboard boxes, keep the lid closed and do not overfill the container.
Chattanooga Waste Video Guide — Official Video Check
No official relevant embeddable video was found from the City of Chattanooga Public Works, Solid Waste & Recycling, or an official waste authority page at the time of writing.
Because no verified official video was found, this article does not embed a random YouTube, creator, news, or unrelated promotion video. Residents should use the official written City pages, GIS maps, 311 portal and Public Works contact links in this guide.
If Chattanooga later publishes or directly links an official video about cart placement, recycling, brush/bulk collection, refuse centers, the Wood Recycling Center, or the 311 app, it should be added here using only the official embed URL.
Chattanooga Brush and Bulk Trash Pickup — Area Schedule, Monday Set-Out and Separate Piles
Chattanooga brush and bulk trash are collected using dedicated trucks that sweep each area of the city on a rotating schedule. The City says crews collect brush, bulk trash, bagged yard waste and leaves separately because different materials may require different equipment and disposal sites.
Residents should keep brush, bulk trash, bagged yard waste and leaves in separate piles at the curb by 7:00 AM on Monday of their collection week. Collection occurs Monday through Friday, with crews driving every street in the scheduled area.
| 2026 Month | Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 5-9 | Jan 12-16 | Jan 19-23 | Jan 26-30 |
| February | Feb 2-6 | Feb 9-13 | Feb 16-20 | Feb 23-27 |
| March | Mar 2-6 | Mar 9-13 | Mar 16-20 | Mar 23-27 |
| April | Apr 6-10 | Apr 13-17 | Apr 20-24 | Apr 27-May 1 |
| May | May 4-8 | May 11-15 | May 18-22 | May 25-29 |
| June | Jun 1-5 | Jun 8-12 | Jun 15-19 | Jun 22-26 |
| July | Jul 6-10 | Jul 13-17 | Jul 20-24 | Jul 27-31 |
| August | Aug 3-7 | Aug 10-14 | Aug 17-21 | Aug 24-28 |
| September | Sep 7-11 | Sep 14-18 | Sep 21-25 | Sep 28-Oct 2 |
| October | Oct 5-9 | Oct 12-16 | Oct 19-23 | Oct 26-30 |
| November | Nov 2-6 | Nov 9-13 | Nov 16-20 | Nov 22-27 |
| December | Dec 7-11 | Dec 14-18 | Dec 21-25 | Dec 28-Jan 1 |
Brush Pile Rules
- Place brush as close as practical to the public street in front of the residence.
- Do not block the roadway, sidewalk, drainage ditch or catch basin.
- Wood waste may not be larger than 8 feet long, 18 inches in diameter and 4 feet high.
- Brush must not have garbage or other refuse mixed in.
- Brush must be separated from bulk trash and leaves.
- No treated wood such as 2x4s, cross-ties, particle board or pallets.
- Land clearing is not collected.
Bulk Trash Rules
- Bulk trash service is not offered to businesses, apartment complexes or landlords.
- You or a relative must live at the address requesting service.
- Material must not be mixed with household garbage, brush or unacceptable material.
- Place bulk items at least 5 feet away from stationary objects.
- Do not place bulk trash in alleyways.
- Do not place bulk trash over water meters or under low-hanging wires.
- Bulky trash collections are limited to 12 at one single property within any consecutive 12-month period.
Accepted Bulk Examples
BBQ grills, mattresses, heavy appliances, furniture, carpet and padding, water heaters, large toys and TVs are listed as acceptable bulk items when properly placed.
Not Accepted Bulk Examples
55-gallon drums, liquids, hot materials, building materials, auto parts, lumber, household garbage, compressed gas tanks, insulation, propane tanks, brick, concrete, railroad ties, tires, cross ties, cardboard boxes, recyclables, pallets, dirt, hazardous materials, tile, glass, mirrors and drywall are listed as non-acceptable bulk materials.
Big mistake to avoid: Do not mix brush with furniture, household garbage, bagged yard waste, leaves or bulky trash. Chattanooga crews collect these materials separately, and mixed piles can be skipped.
Chattanooga Refuse Centers and Wood Recycling Center — When Curbside Pickup Is Not the Right Option
Some items should not wait for brush/bulk week, and some materials are not accepted curbside at all. Chattanooga lists three refuse collection centers for City residents to dispose of bulky trash items generated from their own households. The City also operates the Wood Recycling Center for acceptable wood waste, brush and leaves.
Refuse Collection Centers
- 4276 Airport Road
- 4500 North Access Road
- 1400 West 57th Street
- Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
- Closed Monday
Wood Recycling Center
- 4063 North Hawthorne Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406
- Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM-3:50 PM
- Last vehicle received at 3:50 PM
- No charge for City residents with acceptable wood waste in a standard pickup truck or single-axle trailer.
- Non-city residents, businesses and contractors pay the listed fee.
Refuse Center Resident Rules
| Rule | Chattanooga Requirement | Resident Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Visit limit | Residents may dispose of material up to 12 times per calendar year. | Track visits if you use centers often for move-outs or cleanouts. |
| Vehicle limit | No tandem axle trailers, dump bodies or trucks larger than a standard pickup truck. | Large commercial-style loads can be refused. |
| Business limit | No contractors, businesses or landlords. | The centers are for City resident household material only. |
| ID requirement | Driver must have a valid driver’s license showing City of Chattanooga residency; new residents may need a utility bill. | Bring ID and proof before loading your vehicle. |
| Bag limit | Residents are limited to 8 bags per visit. | Do not bring a large bagged household garbage load expecting unlimited drop-off. |
Refuse Center Accepted and Not Accepted Examples
Accepted Examples
- Appliances and mattresses.
- BBQ grills and microwaves.
- Clothes, metal, furniture and toys.
- Drywall up to one truck load.
- Tires, max 4 auto tires only.
- Landscape timbers, vinyl and lumber.
Not Accepted Examples
- Household garbage, cardboard, brush and leaves.
- Paint thinner, gasoline, oil, liquids and hazardous materials.
- Batteries, computer electronics and compressed gas tanks.
- Concrete, dirt, rock, brick, block and roofing materials.
- Grass clippings, pallets, Styrofoam, propane tanks and tile.
Wood Recycling Center Map
Missed Trash Pickup in Chattanooga — What to Check Before Calling 311
Before reporting a missed pickup, separate the problem by service type. Garbage and recycling follow the address schedule. Brush and bulk follow the area week. Refuse center drop-off has its own rules. Calling too early or reporting the wrong service can slow the fix.
Check the official map
Confirm today is actually your garbage, recycling, brush or bulk pickup day. Recycling is biweekly, not weekly.
Check the set-out time
Garbage and recycling should be curbside by 7:00 AM. Brush and bulk piles should be at the curb by 7:00 AM Monday of your collection week.
Check placement and separation
Garbage carts need curb clearance. Recycling must be clean and loose. Brush, bulk trash, bagged yard waste and leaves should be separate piles.
Call 311 or use the request portal
Call (423) 643-6311, email 311@chattanooga.gov, use the CHATT311 app, or submit an official request online.
Useful reporting details: Include your service address, service type, collection day, whether the cart was out by 7:00 AM, whether neighbors were collected, and whether a tag or notice was left.
New Chattanooga Resident Trash Checklist — Carts, City Limits, Recycling Signup and Brush Area
If you just moved into Chattanooga, do not wait until pickup morning to figure out the system. Confirm the property is inside City service, find the garbage/recycling day, check biweekly recycling, and learn the brush/bulk area before placing anything outside.
First Week Checklist
- Confirm your property is inside Chattanooga city limits.
- Open the official GIS map and save your garbage/recycling day.
- Confirm whether you have a City garbage container.
- Sign up for recycling if there is no recycle container at the property.
- Save 311: (423) 643-6311.
- Look up your brush/bulk area week before setting out large items.
- Find the nearest refuse center and Wood Recycling Center if you are doing a cleanout.
Apartment, Business and Landlord Notes
Brush and bulky trash service is not offered to businesses, apartment complexes or landlords. Non-residential properties may have different garbage container limits and commercial dumpster rules. If you live in an apartment, condo, managed rental community or business property, ask property management before using curbside brush/bulk instructions.
Start or repair service: Chattanooga says residents can sign up online, email 311@chattanooga.gov or call (423) 643-6311. Damaged container repair or replacement can be requested through 311, online request, email, or CHATT311 app.
Chattanooga Public Works Phone Number, 311, Refuse Centers and Official Map
| Need | Official Contact | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Waste & Recycling / 311 | (423) 643-6311 311@chattanooga.gov |
Garbage day, recycling day, brush/bulk questions, damaged container, missed pickup and service requests. |
| Official Collection Map | Open GIS Map | Find garbage, recycling, brush, bulky trash and leaf schedule information for a property inside city limits. |
| Refuse Collection Centers | 4276 Airport Road 4500 North Access Road 1400 West 57th Street |
Resident bulky trash drop-off generated from the household, subject to city rules and limits. |
| Wood Recycling Center | 4063 North Hawthorne Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406 | Acceptable natural wood, brush and leaves; city resident mulch pickup and self-haul yard waste. |
Public Works / Waste & Recycling Map
Related Trash Pickup Guides — Tennessee, City Collection, Bulk Pickup and Recycling Help
Use these related trash-pickup.org guides when comparing city collection, bulk trash rules, recycling confusion, holiday delays and address-based pickup tools. These internal links help residents move to the next useful guide instead of reaching a dead-end page.
Chattanooga Trash Pickup FAQ — Collection Day, Recycling, Brush, Bulk and Drop-Off
Source Verification and Editorial Note
Independent information guide — not affiliated with the City of Chattanooga. trash-pickup.org is a public information resource. We do not operate Chattanooga Public Works, 311, garbage trucks, recycling pickup, brush/bulk collection, refuse centers, the Wood Recycling Center or the official GIS map.
Collection rules, phone numbers, hours, addresses, set-out timing, recycling instructions, brush/bulk area weeks, refuse center limits and wood recycling information were checked against official City of Chattanooga pages as of June 2026. Routes, maps, schedules, holiday service, facility rules and accepted materials can change. Always verify through official links before acting.
- Official Chattanooga Waste & Recycling
- Garbage Collection
- Recycle Collection
- Brush and Bulk Trash Collection
- Refuse Collection Centers
- Wood Recycling Center
- Garbage & Recycling Collection GIS Map
- Official Interactive Collection Map
- Garbage & Recycling Container Payments
- Chattanooga 311 Request Portal
Franklin TN Trash Tools
Holiday calculator | Buck-A-Bag counter | Recycling checker
Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Call (615) 794-1516 to confirm