Garbage Collection

GARBAGE COLLECTION

• Garbage is collected weekly. If you do not know your collection day, call 311 at 423-643-6311 or view our interactive map.
• Containers must be placed on the curbside by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
• To eliminate odor and insects, reduce spillage, and discourage animals from getting into garbage containers, all household garbage must be placed in tightly secured bags.
• Do not overfill garbage containers.
• Collection crews will not pick up spills or litter resulting from unbagged garbage, overfilled containers, or scavenging.
• Do not place garbage on the ground or on top of an automated container.
• Lids must be closed completely.
• Do not leave bags or containers out overnight.
• Items that may pose a safety or health risk to public works employees, the public, or property when collected will not be picked up. Hazardous materials such as oil-based paint, pesticides, or battery acid cannot be disposed of at the City Landfill and may be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
• Small amounts of brush or yard trimmings may be disposed of in garbage containers if they are bagged.
• Garbage collection trucks do not service alleys, private driveways, or privately owned parking lots.
• For your safety, never approach the collection equipment while operating.
• Garbage containers are intended for storing non-recyclable kitchen and bathroom garbage for disposal. Please recycle.

Automated Garbage Container Placement

• The wheels and handles on the garbage container should be against the curb. The arrows on the lid and in front of the container should point towards the street.
• Containers must be within 2-feet of the curb, at least 3-feet from any obstruction, and 5-feet from vehicles parked along the street.
• If you encounter problems moving a wheeled container because of your physical abilities please call 311 at 423-643-6311 or visit CHA311.com.
• Remove containers from the curbside after the scheduled collection day.
• If you have questions regarding the placement of your container please call 311 or visit CHA311.com.

Holiday Schedule

• Garbage is collected on all holidays EXCEPT Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Residential service locations

• Residential service locations may maintain up to two garbage containers.
• No more than seven garbage containers will be assigned, maintained, or serviced at any residential property.
• A garbage container will be assigned to residential properties at no charge if the property is a new construction, if the property is an existing dwelling a garbage container will be dropped of for $75.00

Non-residential service locations

• Non-residential properties may maintain only one garbage container.
• Non-residential properties maintaining a dumpster or other commercial waste service are not eligible for City solid waste collection services.
• Non-residential service locations must pay for a garbage container if the property is added to a route requiring a container.

Repairing and Replacing Containers

• Property owners are responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing lost, stolen, or vandalized containers. This includes any person who subsequently comes into possession of a residence which had previously been issued a container.
• Replacement/Additional garbage containers are $75.00 each.
• Containers damaged during collection will be repaired or replaced by the City within 5 business days from the time a service request is created. To request a repair or replacement of your container please contact our 311 Information Center at 423-643-6311. Request can also be submitted by using the following options: by emailing 311 at 311@chattanooga.gov, submitting the request online or submitting a request with our CHATT311 app with your Apple or Android device. After the service request is made please leave damaged container curbside until it is repaired.
• Containers are not transferable from one property to another. Garbage containers have serial numbers and are assigned to service locations not a person or business.