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Nashville Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)

Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 4 items per collection. Items too bulky to fit in a curbside cart should be taken to a Convenience Center for proper disposal or recycling. Davidson County residents may drop off excess trash and bulk items during regular operating hours (Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Nashville bulk pickup rules

Bulk waste limits and booking rules for Nashville
Collection ruleItems too bulky to fit in a curbside cart should be taken to a Convenience Center for proper disposal or recycling. Davidson County residents may drop off excess trash and bulk items during regular operating hours (Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Limit per pickup4 items
Permitted materialsNo unconditional accepted-material list is verified. Confirm eligibility before putting items out.
Advance noticeNot required under the listed rules.
Dispatch phone615-862-5000

Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials

How to throw away a mattress in Nashville

Follow the listed bulk rule: Items too bulky to fit in a curbside cart should be taken to a Convenience Center for proper disposal or recycling. Davidson County residents may drop off excess trash and bulk items during regular operating hours (Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Special disposal mandates

Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →

Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.

Nashville Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules

Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in Nashville.

The Legal Rule

Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership

Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.

Homeowner Etiquette

Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign

If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.

Nashville Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations

When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving Davidson County.

East Convenience Centerrecycling center

📍 943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Dr, Nashville, TN 37207

Open Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Accepts residential trash, drop-off recycling, scrap metal, tires, electronics, foam, and household hazardous waste.

Ezell Pike Convenience Centerrecycling center

📍 3254 Ezell Pk, Nashville, TN 37211

Open Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Accepts residential trash, drop-off recycling, tires, scrap metal, electronics, and household hazardous waste.

Omohundro Convenience Centertransfer station

📍 1019 Omohundro Pl, Nashville, TN 37210

Open Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Accepts residential trash, bulky items, up to 1 cubic yard DIY construction waste ($20), and electronic waste. Credit/debit card or check only (no cash).

Anderson Convenience Centerrecycling center

📍 939A Anderson Ln, Madison, TN 37115

Open Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Accepts excess residential trash and drop-off recycling (no construction debris or trailers accepted).

1. Mandatory Tarp Rule

All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.

2. Minimum Scale Charge

Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.

3. Proof of Residency

To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.

Planning a Large Home Cleanout or Remodel?

If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.

Local disposal alternatives in Davidson County

For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.

The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.

DPW & sanitation contact

Metro Nashville Department of Waste Services · municipal dpw

Phone: 615-862-5000

1600 2nd Ave N
Nashville, TN 37208
Visit Official Nashville Sanitation Portal Official municipality portal at nashville.gov

These collection rules cover Zone Nashville Urban Services District Curbside Collection Routes.

Trash & recycling questions

What days is trash collected in Nashville, TN?

Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Set out your cart on the curb or alley by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day with the arrow on the lid pointing toward the street or alley. Collection takes place between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.. These rules apply to Zone Nashville Urban Services District Curbside Collection Routes.

Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Nashville?

As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. Pickups on a listed holiday are skipped until the next scheduled cycle. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone Nashville Urban Services District Curbside Collection Routes.

How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Nashville?

Items too bulky to fit in a curbside cart should be taken to a Convenience Center for proper disposal or recycling. Davidson County residents may drop off excess trash and bulk items during regular operating hours (Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The listed limit is 4 items per pickup. Advance notice is not required under the listed rules. Contact sanitation at 615-862-5000 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone Nashville Urban Services District Curbside Collection Routes.

What items are accepted for recycling in Nashville?

The listed accepted materials are Paper (office paper, newspaper, magazines, mail, food and beverage cartons), Cardboard (corrugated cardboard, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls flattened), Food and beverage cans (aluminum and steel cans empty and clean), Plastic bottles, jars, and jugs (beverage bottles, milk jugs, detergent jugs). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags, plastic wrap, and bubble wrap (strictly prohibited loose or bagged), Glass containers (no glass in curbside carts; drop off at convenience centers), Food or liquid waste (all recyclables must be empty, clean, and dry), Plastic items other than bottles, jars, and jugs (no tubs, cups, or takeout trays), Styrofoam, hoses, wires, electronics, clothing, and linens. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone Nashville Urban Services District Curbside Collection Routes.