If you live within Chattanooga’s city limits, you might already have a recycling bin you’ve been filling up. If you don’t, they’re free, and the city will come by every other week to pick up your recyclables. Use this map to find your pickup day, or call 311 to order a bin.
What goes in your curbside bin
- Paper: Flattened cardboard, magazines, junk mail, etc.
- Plastic: Bottles, jugs, cups, and containers
- Metal: Aluminum and steel cans
Pro tips: Rinse your recyclables out, place them loose in the bin (no sorting or bag needed), and make sure your bin is at the curb by 7 a.m. on pickup day.
Glass pickup
While glass isn’t allowed in your regular curbside bin, Chattanooga has partnered with Overlooked Materials for a glass collection pilot program in select zones. Pickup is once a month, and the current program runs through June.
Compost pickup
The city is also doing a curbside compost trial to see how much food waste can be kept out of landfills. Find out if you’re eligible.
Recycling centers
Chattanooga also has five spots for residents to drop off recyclables (including glass) themselves:
- 5955 Brainerd Rd.
- 1250 E. 3rd St.
- 3189 Cummings Hwy.
- 8004 Batters Place Rd.
- 4504 N. Access Rd.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Hard-to-recycle items
Getting rid of things like car batteries, laptops, and tires is a little trickier. Here’s how you can recycle them safely.
Chattanooga also has a wood recycling center and a hazardous waste facility for things like paint and pesticides.
