Memphis

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.

  • Bath bottles- shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, lotion, etc.
  • Bottles & jugs- beverage, food, etc.
  • Bulky items- 5-gallon buckets, laundry baskets, bins, toys, and plastic furniture
  • Cartons- milk, juice, etc.
  • Containers- fruit, baked good, etc.
  • Cups
  • Jars- peanut butter, jelly, etc.
  • House bottles & jugs- cleaning supplies, detergent, etc.
  • Tubs- yogurt, margarine, etc.
  • 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

  • Aluminum cans
  • Aluminum foil
  • Steel containers
  • Tin pans and trays

Tin, aluminum, steel, and empty aerosol cans

PAPER

Look for Paper items

  • Cartons- milk, juice, etc.
  • Flattened cardboard
  • Paperboard boxes- cereal boxes, cracker boxes, pasta boxes, etc.
  • Mixed paper- magazines, mail, newspaper, office paper, and computer paper

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

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

OTHERS

Other items that may be recycled

  • Empty Juice Boxes, Soup, and Milk Cartons
Check with your leasing office for official guidelines
Click the “Recycling Resources” for more details

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

  • Plastic Bags
  • Yard Waste
  • Food or Liquid (Empty all containers)
  • Tanglers (hoses, cords,wires or chains)
  • Ceramics 
  • Window 
  • Mirror 

Recycle Collection Tips

  • Always use clear bags to separate your recycling from waste, so contents are visible
  • Break down and flatten boxes and place them outside your door for doorstep collection only on the days/times of your service
  • Do not include sharp objects like broken glass or ceramic dishes. Do not include needles
  • Not all plastic or paper is recyclable. Coated paper (with surface sheen) such as cups, plates or shiny cardboard boxes, belong in the trash
  • Rinse out food waste, oil, grease, detergents, lotions, etc. from qualified plastic or metal containers before recycling
  • Plastic bags cannot be recycled. Plastic bagged recyclables should never be placed directly into communal recycling containers
  • Even if it says “compostable,” do not put any compostable plastics into your recycling
  • No loose plastic bags, wires or string are allowed in recycling as it can tangle sorting machines

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

Businesses are required to recycle the recyclable material that is most commonly found in their waste. Multi-family property owners must provide recycling collection for paper & commingled containers. The City of Memphis does not offer recycling services for multi family complexes over 8 units. These services must be provided by a private hauler in the area.

Recycling Drop-Off Centers are available for residents of apartment complexes and private developments not serviced by City of Memphis Solid Waste Management. Five drop-off centers are located throughout the City of Memphis.
https://recycle.memphistn.gov/

The City of Memphis has a Recycle Wizard app that is available to download as well as located on their site, which offers information on how to properly dispose of and recycle items.

Recycling Drop-off Locations:
DOWNTOWN – Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38103 (NORTH ENTRANCE OF MUD ISLAND PARK)

SOUTHEAST – HICKORY HILL COMMUNITY CENTER (3910 RIDGEWAY)

EAST MEMPHIS – Smythe Farm Rd, Memphis, TN 38120 (APPROX. 300 YARDS. OFF GERMANTOWN PKWY S., JUST SOUTH OF THE AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL’S SHOWPLACE ARENA

Learn more about recycling in your city.

For more information, please contact:

Division of Solid Waste Management Department
125 N. Main Street – Room #640
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: Dial 311:
901-636-6500

City of Recycling Office
125 N.Main Street, Room 628
Memphis, TN 38103

The City of Memphis has a Recycle Wizard app that is available to download as well as located on their site, which offers information on how to properly dispose of and recycle items.
https://www.memphistn.gov/government/solid-waste-management/

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"