Nashville

Recycling Guidelines

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

PLASTIC

Look for plastic items labeled #1 - #5.

  • Beverage bottles
  • Kitchen, laundry, and bath bottles and jugs
  • Milk and juice jugs
  • Plastic food jars
  • Lids and caps can stay on plastic bottles
Lids and caps can stay on bottles and containers
Plastic, single-serve to-go containers with no food residue

METAL

Look for tin, aluminum and other metal items

  • Food cans
  • Beverage cans

Tin, aluminum, steel, and empty aerosol cans

PAPER

Look for Paper items

  • Paper
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines
  • Mail
  • Food and beverage cartons
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Toilet paper and paper towel rolls
  • Cereal boxes
  • Tissue Boxes

Paper can be recycled up to seven times, depending on the quality

Cardboard tubes from wrapping or toilet paper rolls

GLASS

Look for glass food jars and drink bottles

  • Glass bottles
  • Glass jars
Bottles and jars (remove lids or caps)
Clean and dry your glass bottles

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

Doorstep Recycling Collection
Place acceptable recyclables in a securely tied, see-thru bag, separate from your trash and place in your bin, outside your front door with your scheduled trash collection.

When in Doubt – Toss it Out
Please do not place any unacceptable items in communal recycling containers or in your household recycling bags. Remember, if recycling contains “contaminants” (non-recyclable items or containers not properly cleaned), the whole batch may be rejected and sent to a land fill. When in doubt – best to toss it out!

What can NOT be recycled

  • Food or liquid. Empty and rinse all containers
  • Plastic bags, plastic wrap, or bubble wrap
  • Plastic of any kind that is not a bottle, jar, or jug. takeout containers, Styrofoam, plastic cups or tubs, etc
  • Hoses, wires, chains, or electronics
  • yard waste
  • Clothing or linens
  • Ceramics
  • Windows
  • Mirrors
  • Do not bag recyclables. Place items loose in the bin

Multifamily-specific highlights. Check with your municipality for the latest guidelines.

Sanitation and recycling services for multifamily complexes are not offered by the City of Nashville.  All multi family complexes  throughout Nashville and Davidson County, must contact their private hauler for information on recycling. All private haulers are required to offer a recycling option for their trash customers.

COVID-19 and Plastic Film Recycling

  • NOTE: Plastic bags/wraps typically do not get recycled in curbside bins. They must be returned to participating drop-off locations such as retail stores for recycling.
  • Thank you for recycling your plastic bags and wraps.
  • During this COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you to recycle your plastic bags, wraps, and other film packaging at drop-off locations ONLY WHEN AND WHERE POSSIBLE.
  • Some stores have temporarily halted collection of plastic bags and wraps. Please collect your bags/wraps at home until events change. Bags/wraps can be compressed and stored inside another plastic bag.
    https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/recycling-bags-and-wraps/find-drop-off-location/

Learn more about recycling in your city.

For more information, please contact:

Recycle Nashville
www.Recycle.Nashville.gov
615.862.5000

Metropolitan Nashville Dept. of Public Works
Public Works Administration Building
750 South 5th Street
Nashville, TN 37206
615-862-5000

Davidson County Public Works
750 S 5th St, Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 862-8750

This information is not your official community or municipality guidelines. Recycling mandates may change based on the local processing capabilities and shifting markets. Contact your leasing office or local recycling agency to learn more or use the links under the “Recycling Resources"