: FAQs

FAQ'S

Non-Automated Garbage Service

What time should I set out my garbage?
Garbage should be set out by 7:00 a.m. EST. on the day of collection. Garbage should not be set out too early. If you set out your garbage the night before, make sure the can has a tight fitting lid.
What should I do if my garbage can gets damaged?
If our workers damage your can, you should call the Call Center at 423-425-6311 or 311 from a city residence or business. When you call, please be prepared to give your name, address, telephone number, and the type of waste container.
How do I get a clean garbage can?
You are responsible for cleaning your own container.  It is recommended that the container be cleaned often to avoid odors and to avoid attracting pests or animals.  Placing all garbage items in plastic bags will greatly assist in this effort.
Are there items I can't dispose of in regular garbage
Yes, items that are toxic or radioactive should not be put in regular garbage. Also, paint that is not dried up, motor oil, or corrosive materials should be kept out of regular garbage.
How do I find out when my collection day is?
Dial 423-425-6311 or 311 from a city residence or business to access the City of Chattanooga's new one-stop call center. This number is available 24/7 to answer any questions regarding your service needs. You may also click on the GIS Map link  or go to the service schedule page to determine your pickup day. 
If my garbage can gets turned over by animals and the contents gets spilled out, will the sanitation workers still pick it up?
Our workers will only pick up garbage if they spill it onto the road/curb as they are emptying the can. Garbage that is spilled or scattered before they arrive will not be collected. Bagging your garbage will help prevent litter problems.
I've noticed a foul smelling liquid drip from the back of the garbage trucks. What is that and is it harmful?
What you see is water and liquid from the garbage that has been collected in the truck. The liquid spills out of a drain hole in the rear hopper. The liquid is not toxic.

Automated Garbage Service

I've seen those green garbage cans, what is that about?
These cans are used in our automated waste collection program. They are roll-out carts that we issue to residents on the routes we have converted to this system.  Material placed in the automated container must be bagged to reduce spillage, discourage animals and insects, and eliminate odors.
What if I have more garbage than will fit in a single garbage cart?
Residents may lease a second cart from City-Wide Services for $60.00. No more than two carts will be serviced at any one location.
I had a party and have a few extra bags that won't fit into my cart, can I stack them on top of the cart or set them to the side?
Unfortunately, nothing can be stacked on top of the cart. When the mechanical arm lifts the cart, anything not inside the cart will drop to the ground. The arm can only pick up carts, not bags. Our driver will not get out and reload a cart with materials not inside the cart. However, the driver will dump the can again it the owner reloads the can when the driver is still at the location.
What about the elderly or disabled who can't push the big green can? Can they use bags?
City-Wide Services can make special accommodations. Please dial 423-425-6311 or 311 from a city residence or business for additional information.
What should I go if my cart gets damaged?
Carts that are damaged as a result of normal use will be repaired free of charge by our department. Simply dial 423-425-6311 or 311 from a city residence or business for assistance. However, if the cart is damaged or lost through neglect by the resident, the resident will be responsible for the repair/replacement cost.
How do I dispose of insulin or other syringes?
Place the plastic end cap over the needle and place the entire syringe inside a non-recyclable plastic container with a tight lid. Dispose of the plastic container in you regular garbage.

Recycle,Residential Curbside Collection

What items can I recycle?
We use blue or clear bags for the curbside recycling program. Plastic bottles and jugs (types 1 & 2 only), metal cans (aluminum and steel), and paper waste (newspaper, boxes, junk mail, magazines, etc.)are collected at curbside. Don't flatten any of your plastic containers.
Is it important to rinse the containers and remove labels from cans?
It is very important to rinse all of your containers before putting them into the blue bags. Handicapped clients at Orange Grove Center hand sort your recyclables, so rinsing will make their job a lot easier.
Who processes the blue bags?
The blue bags are taken to Orange Grove Center. There, they are hand processed by a staff made up of mentally and physically challenged clients. The clients receive wages for their work and produce material which exceeds industry standards. The center offers free educational tours of their facility. Dial 423-425-6311 or 311 from a city residence or business to obtain information about scheduling a tour.
I operate a business, can I get into recycling?
Absolutely!  Items may be dropped off at the Warner Park Facility, or you can enroll in the Orange Grove Recycling Program. Dial 423-493-2942 for details.

Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m 
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

My recyclables are not being picked up, what's wrong?
First, make sure you are using clear or blue see-through plastic bags. You can use plastic grocery bags or you can purchase larger blue bags at area grocery and discount stores. 
Why can't we recycle other plastics and glass?
The other plastic resins, types 3 through 7, are recyclable, but we do not have a market close enough to us to make collection and processing economical. Glass is not collected at curbside. Glass should be separated by color and taken to the Warner Park Recycling Facility.

Brush and Refuse

What items can I put out for Brush collection?
Brush, twigs, shrubbery, tree trimmings, branches, and limbs may be stacked or placed in bundles at the curb and should not block the sidewalk or drainage ditches. Leaves can be bagged or raked to the curb for collection.
Grass Clippings must be bagged.
How can I find out when my brush is to be set out?
A schedule is maintained in our division. Dial 423-425-6311 or 311 from a city residence or business for collection information or go to our Service Schedule page.  
Will the collection crews pick up items from a burned house?
No. We cannot pickup materials that have been set out from a house fire.
Can I get a Sway Car if the property is vacant?
Residents can only reserve a sway car for property they are currently living in. Landlords cannot reserve a trailer to clean up after a tenant has moved out, nor can they be reserved for businesses contractors, or realtors.
What kinds of items can be placed in the Sway Cars?
Old clothes, small furniture items, broken toys, brush, small metal scrap, etc.