City of Chattanooga Recycling Drop-Off: Hours, Map & Accepted Items
Use this City of Chattanooga recycling center guide before you drive. It covers the five city recycle drop-off centers, current weekly hours, map links, accepted materials, items not accepted, glass rules, curbside recycling, refuse centers, household hazardous waste, wood recycling, compost kiosks, and the correct official link for each situation.
Official city page says Hamilton County residents may use Chattanooga recycle centers and the centers are closed on Mondays.
Public Works Phone (423) 643-6311 Official Page Recycle Centers → Service Requests Waste & Recycling → CHA
Fast Answer for Chattanooga Residents
The City of Chattanooga lists five recycle drop-off centers for Hamilton County residents. The official recycle-center hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM; closed Mondays. Holiday closures apply.
Use the recycle centers for accepted drop-off materials like aluminum cans, cardboard, number 1 and 2 plastic containers, computer electronics, steel cans, glass, cooking oil at allowed locations, mixed paper, and newspaper. Do not use recycle centers for clothes, plastic bags, Styrofoam, televisions, yard waste, food, fluorescent bulbs, DVD players, VCRs, large toys, or non-computer electronics.
On This Page
- Chattanooga recycling overview
- Quick facts before you drive
- Recycle center hours
- Five recycle center locations
- Which facility should you use?
- Accepted drop-off items
- Not accepted at recycle centers
- Curbside recycling day
- Glass, compost and local pilots
- Refuse collection centers
- Household hazardous waste
- Wood recycling center
- Preparation checklist
- Official links
- Map and directions
- FAQ
City of Chattanooga Recycling Center Overview
When residents search for city of chattanooga recycling center chattanooga, they usually need one of three things: a drop-off recycling center, a curbside recycling pickup day, or a special disposal location for bulky waste, hazardous waste, or wood debris. Chattanooga separates those services, so choosing the right place matters.
The city recycle centers are best for common accepted recyclables and specific drop-off items. Curbside recycling is biweekly and has its own cart rules. Refuse collection centers are for qualifying bulky household trash. The household hazardous waste facility is for residential hazardous materials. The wood recycling center is for raw natural wood, brush, and leaves.
Quick Facts Before You Drive
Chattanooga Recycling Drop-Off Hours
Chattanooga recycle centers are closed on Mondays. Regular posted hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The city also posts holiday closures, so check the official page before a holiday weekend trip.
| Day | Recycle Center Hours | Resident Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Do not plan a drop-off recycling trip on Monday. |
| Tuesday-Friday | 10:00 AM-6:00 PM | Best weekday window for most drop-off recycling. |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | Longest weekend day for drop-off recycling. |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM-5:00 PM | Shorter afternoon-only drop-off window. |
| Holidays | Closed on listed city holidays | Check before New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. |
City of Chattanooga Recycling Drop-Off Locations
Chattanooga lists five recycle center locations. Use the nearest location for normal accepted recyclables, but remember that some special items have separate rules. Cooking oil is listed by the city as accepted at recycle centers, but not at Batters Place Road.
| Recycle Center | Address | Best Use | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brainerd Road | 5955 Brainerd Road | General recycling drop-off for accepted materials. | Open map |
| Warner Park / East 3rd Street | 1250 E. 3rd Street | General recycling drop-off near central Chattanooga. | Open map |
| Cummings Highway | 3189 Cummings Hwy | General recycling drop-off for west/southwest side users. | Open map |
| Batters Place Road | 8004 Batters Place Road | General recycling drop-off, but cooking oil is not accepted here. | Open map |
| North Access Road | 4504 N. Access Road | General recycling drop-off for north-side access. | Open map |
Which Chattanooga Facility Should You Use?
Do not treat every waste location as a recycling center. Chattanooga has different places for different materials. The table below prevents the most common mistake: bringing hazardous waste, bulky trash, brush, or household garbage to the wrong drop-off site.
| Need | Best Chattanooga Service | Use It For | Avoid Bringing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal recyclables | City Recycle Centers | Cardboard, mixed paper, newspaper, cans, glass, plastic #1/#2, computer electronics. | Plastic bags, TVs, yard waste, food, Styrofoam, large toys. |
| Curbside cart recycling | Recycle Collection | Biweekly cart collection for clean accepted materials. | Glass in the curbside cart, bagged recyclables, food, yard waste. |
| Bulky household trash | Refuse Collection Centers | Appliances, mattresses, furniture, metal, some bulky residential items. | Contractor loads, household garbage, hazardous materials, liquids. |
| Hazardous residential material | Household Hazardous Waste Facility | Oil-based paint, gasoline, pesticides, solvents, batteries, CFL tubes, propane bottles up to listed limits. | Latex paint, commercial waste, explosives, ammunition, medical waste. |
| Wood and brush | Wood Recycling Center | Raw natural wood, brush, leaves, free city-resident wood waste under guidelines. | Treated lumber, pallets, plywood, painted wood, trash, root balls, dirt, rocks. |
| Compost/glass pilots | City partner programs / kiosks | Food scraps and glass recycling pilots where eligible. | Business participation where the city says resident-only. |
Accepted Items at Chattanooga Recycle Centers
The city lists accepted recycle-center materials including aluminum cans, cardboard, number 1 and 2 plastic containers, computer electronics, steel cans, glass, cooking oil, mixed paper, and newspaper. Rinse food containers, flatten cardboard, and keep materials clean before drop-off.
| Material | Accepted? | How to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum cans | Yes | Empty and rinse when possible. |
| Steel cans | Yes | Rinse food containers before drop-off. |
| Cardboard | Yes | Break down and keep clean and empty. |
| Plastic #1 and #2 containers | Yes | Rinse food containers; avoid plastic bags and Styrofoam. |
| Glass | Yes at recycle centers | Use drop-off centers because glass is not accepted in curbside recycle containers. |
| Mixed paper and newspaper | Yes | Keep clean and dry. |
| Computer electronics | Yes | Wipe personal data before drop-off. |
| Cooking oil | Yes, but not at Batters Place Road | Use a sealed container and avoid spills. |
Cardboard Recycling in Chattanooga
Cardboard is accepted at Chattanooga recycle centers and clean flattened cardboard is also listed for curbside recycling. Break boxes down before you leave home so unloading is easier and the center containers do not fill too quickly.
Glass Recycling in Chattanooga
Glass is not accepted inside the curbside recycle container, but the city says brown, green, and clear glass can be taken to recycle centers throughout the city. This is a key difference between curbside recycling and drop-off recycling.
Items Not Accepted at Chattanooga Recycle Centers
Chattanooga recycle centers list several non-acceptable items, including clothes, plastic bags, DVD players, Styrofoam, non-computer electronics, televisions, fluorescent bulbs, VCRs, food, yard waste, and large toys. Do not leave rejected materials beside containers.
Chattanooga Curbside Recycling Collection
The City of Chattanooga provides curbside recycling collection to households and businesses biweekly. The city says recycle containers are free of charge, residents can find their pickup day online, and containers should be placed curbside by 7:00 AM to ensure service.
Curbside recycling rules are not exactly the same as drop-off rules. Curbside accepts clean paper, flattened cardboard, clean paper containers and cups, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, office paper, clean food and beverage cartons, plastic bottles with necks, clean cups and containers, plastic #1 and #2, and clean steel or aluminum bottles and cans. Glass is not accepted in the curbside container.
Glass Recycling, Compost Kiosks and Chattanooga Local Pilots
Chattanooga’s curbside recycling page says glass is not accepted inside your recycle container, and brown, green, and clear glass can be taken to recycle centers throughout the city. The city also describes composting and glass recycling pilots with partner organizations, with participation rules and resident-only limits.
The city says a drop-off composting kiosk will be installed at each of Chattanooga’s five recycling centers and be accessible to residents within city limits. Local pilot programs may have sign-up requirements and zone restrictions, so use the official city partner links before assuming your address qualifies.
Chattanooga Refuse Collection Centers for Bulky Trash
Refuse collection centers are not the same as recycle centers. They are for City of Chattanooga residents disposing of qualifying bulky household trash items generated from their homes. Posted refuse center hours match the recycle center pattern: Tuesday-Friday 10 AM-6 PM, Saturday 9 AM-6 PM, Sunday 1 PM-5 PM, closed Mondays and city holidays.
The city lists three refuse collection center locations: 4276 Airport Road, 4500 North Access Road, and 1400 West 57th Street. Residents may dispose of material up to 12 times per calendar year, with residency, vehicle, tag, and load-size rules.
Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Chattanooga
The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility is for Tennessee residents disposing of common hazardous materials generated within their residences. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and a state-issued driver’s license showing Tennessee residency is required at drop-off.
The city lists accepted HHW examples such as adhesives, oil-based paint, air-conditioning refrigerants, oven cleaners, carburetor cleaners, compact fluorescent tubes, pesticides, drain openers, smoke detectors, gasoline, starter fluids, fire extinguishers, thermostats, fungicides, paint remover/thinner, wet cell batteries, dry cell batteries, grease and rust solvents, wood and metal cleaners, propane tanks or bottles up to listed limits, herbicides, insecticides, and wood preservatives.
Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center
The Wood Recycling Center is at 4063 North Hawthorne Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406. Official hours are Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM-3:50 PM. The city says the last vehicle is received at 3:50 PM so unloading and end-of-day close-outs can be completed.
Acceptable wood recycling materials include raw natural wood, brush, and leaves. Non-acceptable materials include treated lumber, glued wood, wood with nails, paneling, plywood, painted wood, railroad ties, pallets, root balls and stumps, dirt and rocks, trash, material larger than 10 feet in length, and material larger than 5 feet in diameter.
How to Prepare Before Visiting a Chattanooga Recycling Drop-Off Center
- Choose the right facility first. Normal recycling, bulky trash, HHW, wood debris, curbside pickup, and compost/glass pilots use different city routes.
- Check the day and hours. Recycle centers are closed Mondays, open Tue-Fri 10-6, Sat 9-6, and Sun 1-5, with holiday closures.
- Clean and prepare materials. Rinse food containers, flatten cardboard, keep mixed paper dry, and do not bag recyclables.
- Separate glass from curbside recycling. Glass belongs at recycle centers, not inside the curbside recycle container.
- Keep rejected items out. Plastic bags, TVs, Styrofoam, food, yard waste, fluorescent bulbs, VCRs, and large toys should not be left at recycle centers.
- Call if unsure. Use 311 or 423-643-6311 before driving with questionable material.
Official Chattanooga Recycling Links
Chattanooga Recycling Center Map and Directions
The map below uses a broad search for City of Chattanooga recycle centers because Chattanooga has five official drop-off locations. Choose the address closest to you, then verify the item and hours before driving.
Map note: Recycling-Centre.org is an independent guide, not the official City of Chattanooga website. Hours, locations, holiday closures, accepted items, residency rules, and city programs can change. Always verify with the official Chattanooga page before driving with a large, special, hazardous, or questionable load.
Frequently Asked Questions About City of Chattanooga Recycling Centers
Where are the City of Chattanooga recycling drop-off centers?
The city lists five recycle centers: 5955 Brainerd Road, 1250 E. 3rd Street, 3189 Cummings Hwy, 8004 Batters Place Road, and 4504 N. Access Road.
What are Chattanooga recycle center hours?
Recycle centers are open Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM. They are closed Mondays and listed city holidays.
Who can use Chattanooga recycle centers?
The official city page says Hamilton County residents are allowed to use the recycle centers. Bring proof of residency if you think it may be requested.
Does Chattanooga accept glass recycling?
Yes, glass is accepted at recycle centers. Glass is not accepted inside the curbside recycle container, so use a drop-off center for brown, green, and clear glass.
Does Chattanooga accept cardboard recycling?
Yes. Cardboard is accepted at recycle centers and clean empty flattened cardboard is also listed for curbside recycling.
Are plastic bags accepted at Chattanooga recycle centers?
No. Plastic bags are listed as not accepted at the city recycle centers. Do not bag recyclables before drop-off.
Where do I take household hazardous waste in Chattanooga?
Use the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. The city lists Tuesday-Saturday hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and requires a Tennessee driver’s license showing residency.
Where do I take brush, leaves, and wood debris in Chattanooga?
Use the Wood Recycling Center at 4063 North Hawthorne Street for accepted raw natural wood, brush, and leaves. Treated lumber, pallets, plywood, painted wood, trash, stumps, dirt, and rocks are not accepted.
Where can I find my Chattanooga curbside recycling day?
Use the official city recycle collection page and pickup-day lookup. Chattanooga provides biweekly curbside recycling collection to households and businesses.
Can I take bulky trash to a recycle center?
No. Bulky trash should be checked through Chattanooga refuse collection centers or brush/bulk trash services, not normal recycle centers.
What phone number should I call for Chattanooga recycling help?
For Chattanooga Solid Waste and Recycling help, use 311 or call 423-643-6311.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Chattanooga recycling website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify hours, accepted items, holiday closures, and service rules through the official City of Chattanooga website before visiting.
Final Local Summary
For normal Chattanooga recycling drop-off, use one of the city’s five recycle centers at Brainerd Road, East 3rd Street, Cummings Highway, Batters Place Road, or North Access Road. Regular hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 AM-6 PM, Saturday 9 AM-6 PM, Sunday 1 PM-5 PM, and closed Mondays.
Use recycle centers for accepted materials like cardboard, paper, cans, glass, plastic #1/#2, computer electronics, and listed cooking oil locations. Use curbside recycling for biweekly cart pickup, refuse centers for qualifying bulky household trash, the HHW facility for residential hazardous materials, and the Wood Recycling Center for raw natural wood, brush, and leaves.