Waste reduction and responsible waste management support Nashville’s citywide long term zero waste goals. As the Department of General Services strives to reduce waste in Metro facilities and citywide, Metro Water Services’ Waste Wizard app can help you place waste in its proper place. Learn more about zero waste practices here.
Recycle
The items below can be recycled in Metro Government buildings and in Davidson County curbside bins. Be sure items are clean and dry. Additional items are recyclable at Metro’s Drop Off Sites and Convenience Centers, as well as other locations. See the Waste Wizard for more details.
Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard, cardboard boxes, tissue boxes, cereal boxes, paper towel and toilet paper tubes.
Plastic Bottles, Jars, and Jugs
Drink bottles, milk and juice jugs, plastic food jars, kitchen, laundry, and bath bottles and jugs.
Food and Drink Cans
Metal food and drink cans.
Paper and Cartons
Paper and cartons.
Compost
The items below can be composted in Metro Government buildings that have composting bins and at Metro’s four Convenience Centers. Metro Waste Services also has established a curbside composting pilot program for 750 households.
Food Scraps
Fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, dairy products, eggs, egg shells, meat, shellfish, fish, bones, shells, grains (such as breads, pasta, rice, cereals, baked goods), snack foods, candy, nut shells, leftovers.
Soiled Paper Products
Coffee filters, paper napkins, paper towels, cotton balls, tissues, greasy pizza boxes, paper take-out containers, paper egg cartons, paper cups and plates (ensure they are 100% paper).
Vegetation and Other
Flowers, grass clippings, houseplant cuttings, leaves/ yard waste, wood chips/ twigs, dryer lint, hair and nail clippings, pet food and pet hair.
Landfill / Trash
Items that are neither recyclable nor compostable may need to be disposed of as landfill trash. As our landfills in Middle Tennessee reach capacity, reducing landfill waste is an important priority for Metro government and residents.
Examples of trash include: candy wrappers, chip bags, styrofoam, plastic toys, pet waste, diapers.
For Davidson County residents, your trash collection schedule is located here.