New South Memphis Recycling and Bulk Pickup Rules

Public Health and Welfare Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

New South Memphis, Tennessee residents must follow municipal rules for curbside recycling and for bulk-item collection to protect public health and welfare. This guide explains who enforces the rules, how bulk pickup permits and scheduling generally work, and what to expect if a violation is reported. It summarizes the city sources and shows how to find forms, file complaints, and appeal decisions.

Overview of Recycling and Bulk Pickup Rules

The City of Memphis manages curbside recycling programs and bulky-item collection through its Public Works / Solid Waste operations. Recycling requirements typically cover materials accepted at the curb, container standards, and collection frequency; bulk pickup covers eligibility, size limits, and special handling for large or hazardous items. For official program details and scheduling, consult the city's Solid Waste information page Public Works - Solid Waste[1] and the municipal code for applicable ordinance language Memphis Code of Ordinances[2].

Check collection calendars before leaving materials at the curb.

Rules That Commonly Apply

  • Materials must be sorted and presented in approved containers per the city program.
  • Bulk items often require scheduling or a permit for commercial haulers; rules differ for residential curbside collections.
  • Certain items (tires, appliances with refrigerants, hazardous waste) have separate disposal rules.
  • There are seasonal or special-event collections that may change normal pickup rules.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the city's enforcement units within Public Works and by municipal code enforcement channels; reports and complaints can be submitted through the city's solid waste or 311/contact pages Public Works - Solid Waste[1]. The municipal code addresses unlawful disposal and obstruction of public ways; specific penalty figures and schedules are not published on the cited ordinance overview page and are therefore not specified on the cited page Memphis Code of Ordinances[2].

Keep records of pickup requests and permit approvals in case of disputes.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code citation for any numeric schedules.[2]
  • Escalation: first or repeat offences and continuing violations are referenced in enforcement sections, but exact escalation steps and ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions may include removal orders, seizure of materials, abatement actions, and court enforcement.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Public Works / Solid Waste handles inspections and initial complaints; use the official contact page to report violations.[1]
  • Appeals and review: administrative review or municipal-court proceedings are the typical routes; specific time limits for filing an appeal are not specified on the cited ordinance page.[2]

Applications & Forms

Residential bulky pickup is commonly scheduled online or by phone through the city's Solid Waste service portal; the city's Solid Waste page provides scheduling guidance but does not publish a separate, downloadable "bulk pickup permit" form on the cited page, so a named permit number or fee schedule is not specified on that page.[1]

If you represent a business, contact the city for commercial bulky-haul requirements before collection.

How-To

  1. Check the city Solid Waste collection calendar and acceptable-items list on the official Solid Waste page.
  2. Prepare recyclables and bulk items according to the city's presentation rules (bagging, containerizing, separating hazardous items).
  3. Schedule a pickup or request guidance via the city's Solid Waste contact options; keep the confirmation number and date.
  4. If you receive a notice of violation, gather documentation (photos, pickup confirmations) and follow the city's appeal instructions or contact the enforcement office.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for residential bulk pickup?
Most residential bulky pickups are scheduled through the city's Solid Waste program; a separate downloadable permit is not published on the cited Solid Waste page.[1]
What items are accepted for curbside recycling?
Accepted materials vary by program and are listed on the Solid Waste page; check the city's acceptable-items list before placing materials at the curb.[1]
How do I report illegal dumping or missed pickup?
Report missed pickups or illegal dumping through the Solid Waste contact options or the city's 311/contact channels as shown on the official Solid Waste page.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Use the official Solid Waste page to confirm acceptable materials and scheduling procedures.
  • Keep pickup confirmations and documentation to contest any enforcement action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis - Public Works, Solid Waste information and contacts
  2. [2] Memphis Code of Ordinances (municipal code)

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