Containers must be placed on the curbside by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.

To eliminate odor and insects, reduce spillage and to discourage animals from getting into garbage cans, all household garbage must be placed in heavy-duty plastic bags which must be tightly secured. Collection crews will not pick up spills or litter resulting from loose garbage.

It is illegal for containers to remain on the curbside after collection day.

Do not leave bags or containers out overnight.

Items which pose a safety or health risk to public works employees, the general public or property when collected will not be picked up. Toxic materials such as paint, pesticides, battery acid or radioactive substances cannot be disposed of at the City Landfill. These items may be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Small amounts of brush or yard trimmings may be disposed of in garbage containers. Grass clippings must be bagged.

City sanitation vehicles do not service private alleys, private driveways, or privately owned parking lots.

Do not place garbage on the ground or on top of an automated container. Do not overfill automated containers. Lids must be closed completely.

The arrows on the lid and front of the container must point towards the street.  The wheels and handles should be next to the curb.

Containers must be within 2 ft. from the curb, at least 3 ft. from the obstruction, and 20 ft. from vehicles parked along  the  street.

For your safety, never approach the collection equipment while operating. If you have questions regarding the placement of you container please call 3-1-1,

Should you encounter problems using the wheeled containers due to site difficulties, age or a physical disability please call 3-1-1.

Manually loaded containers may be metal or plastic, no larger than 30 gallons, and must not weigh more than 50 pounds when filled. Bagged or bulky items cannot weigh more than 50 pounds.
Broken glass or sharp objects must be boxed and marked with warnings for the safety of garbage collection employees.

All automated garbage containers are the property of the City of Chattanooga. Residents who are on an automated garbage collection route 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 which has been lost, stolen, vandalized or defaced.

Containers are non-transferable. Residents may not take a City container with them when they move.

If you move, call 3-1-1 seven days prior to moving. Containers have unique serial numbers and are assigned to a specific street address.

If a second container is needed one may be leased by the property owner from the City by the requesting individual.
No more than two automated containers at any one location will be serviced or maintained.

The City has different size containers. Residents requiring a larger or smaller container may contact 3-1-1.

Garbage containers are intended for non-recyclable kitchen and bathroom garbage. Please recycle.

Holiday Collection Schedule