Wood Recycling in City Chattanooga: Drop-Off Hours, Pay Rates
Use this wood recycling center for city of chattanooga guide to check the official North Hawthorne Street drop-off address, Monday through Saturday hours, free City resident wood-waste rules, non-city and contractor pay rates, accepted raw wood, brush, leaves, mulch pickup rules, rejected wood items and map directions before you load branches or yard waste.
🧭 Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga Open Today: What to Check First
The wood recycling center for city of chattanooga is the official City facility for raw natural wood, brush and leaves. It is not a landfill for construction debris, pallets, painted lumber, plywood, dirt, rocks or mixed trash. That difference matters because a clean load can be accepted quickly, while a mixed or contaminated load may be rejected.
The official City of Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center page lists the location as 4063 North Hawthorne Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., with the last vehicle received at 3:50 p.m. to allow unloading and end-of-day close-outs.
Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga Overview
The wood recycling center for city of chattanooga is designed for wood waste that can be processed as yard material, not every item made from wood. The facility processes yard waste collected from homes, contractors and self-haulers. The main acceptable categories are raw natural wood, brush and leaves.
That means tree limbs, brush and natural yard debris are much more likely to fit the program than construction lumber. If you have painted wood, treated boards, plywood, pallets, paneling, nailed boards, root balls, stumps, dirt or mixed debris, the Wood Recycling Center is not the correct simple drop-off route.
The official fee structure is also clear. City residents can dispose of acceptable wood waste at no charge when following the posted rules. Non-city residents, businesses and contractors pay a standard disposal fee. This guide explains those rules in plain language so you do not confuse the City wood recycling site with a lumber dump, landfill, mulch yard or private construction disposal facility.
Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga Quick Facts Before You Drive
| Topic | Official / Practical Detail | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Official address | 4063 North Hawthorne Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406. | Use the map section below for directions. |
| Drop-off hours | Monday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:50 p.m. | Arrive before the last-vehicle cutoff. |
| Last vehicle | The last vehicle is received at 3:50 p.m. | Do not arrive at closing with a full trailer. |
| City resident fee | No charge for acceptable wood waste. | Bring proof of City residency if needed. |
| Non-city / business / contractor fee | $20.00 per ton. | Confirm load eligibility and payment type. |
| Payment accepted | Checks, credit card and money order. | Do not bring cash or coin as your payment plan. |
| Accepted material | Raw natural wood, brush and leaves. | Keep the load clean and separated. |
| Not accepted | Treated lumber, pallets, glued wood, plywood, painted wood, trash, stumps and oversized material. | Use another disposal route for rejected items. |
| Mulch pickup | No charge for City residents with valid driver’s license. | Cover mulch before leaving the facility. |
Wood Recycling Center Chattanooga Hours: Open Today, Open Now and Saturday Drop-Off
The official City of Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.. The 3:50 p.m. detail is important because the City says the last vehicle is received at 3:50 p.m. so visitors can unload and the facility can complete end-of-day close-outs.
Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga Open Today
If today is Monday through Saturday and it is not an official closure day, the posted operating window is 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Still, a smart visitor checks the official City page or current service notices before going during storms, holidays, heavy brush events or unusual weather.
Wood Recycling Center Chattanooga Open Now vs Last Vehicle Time
“Open now” can be misleading when you arrive late. The facility may technically still be inside its posted hours, but the last vehicle cutoff matters. If you have a trailer, heavy brush, a large truckload or need mulch loaded, do not test the closing window. Arrive earlier and keep the unloading process simple.
Saturday Wood Drop-Off in Chattanooga
Saturday access is helpful for residents doing weekend yard work. It can also be busier because more homeowners clean up branches, leaves and yard waste on weekends. Load natural wood separately, avoid mixed trash, and make sure nothing in the truck bed will trigger rejection.
Wood Recycling Center Chattanooga Pay Rates, Free Drop-Off and Disposal Fees
The phrase “pay rates” needs a clear correction. The wood recycling center for city of chattanooga is not a buyback center that pays residents for branches, brush or leaves. The useful money information is the disposal fee schedule: City residents can dispose of acceptable wood waste at no charge, while non-city residents, businesses and contractors pay the posted per-ton fee.
Free Wood Waste Drop-Off for City of Chattanooga Residents
City residents are listed as No Charge for acceptable wood waste. The official guidance says there is no charge for City of Chattanooga residents to dispose of acceptable wood waste in a standard-size pickup truck or a single-axle trailer. This applies to acceptable wood waste, not rejected material.
Non-City Residents, Businesses and Contractors Pay Rate
For non-city residents, businesses and contractors, the official cost is $20.00 per ton. That is a disposal fee, not a payout. If you are a contractor, landscaper, business, landlord or non-city user, plan for the fee and confirm the load is acceptable before arriving.
Payment Types Accepted at the Wood Recycling Center
The official payment guidance lists checks, credit card and money order as accepted payment types. It also states NO CASH or COIN. Do not arrive with only cash if you are a non-city resident, business or contractor who may need to pay the disposal fee.
| User Type | Posted Cost | Payment / Proof Issue | Important Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Chattanooga resident | No charge for acceptable wood waste. | Bring proof of City residency if requested. | Standard-size pickup truck or single-axle trailer guidance applies for free disposal. |
| Non-city resident | $20.00 per ton. | Checks, credit card and money order; no cash or coin. | Only acceptable wood waste should be brought. |
| Business | $20.00 per ton. | Use accepted payment types and follow facility rules. | Do not mix rejected construction debris into wood loads. |
| Contractor | $20.00 per ton. | Confirm the load is acceptable and not land-clearing or mixed debris. | Rejected wood materials may need another disposal option. |
| Mulch pickup for City residents | No charge when rules are met. | Valid driver’s license required for City resident mulch access. | Load limits and cover/tarp rule apply. |
Accepted Wood, Brush and Yard Waste at the Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center
The acceptable material list is narrow and practical. The City lists raw natural wood, brush and leaves. If your load is tree limbs, hedge brush, branches or leaves without trash, nails, paint, chemicals or treated wood, you are much closer to the intended use of the facility.
Raw Natural Wood Drop-Off in Chattanooga
Raw natural wood means untreated yard-generated material, not finished construction products. Tree limbs, natural brush and similar yard wood are the right category. A board from a deck, fence, building project or pallet is not the same just because it is made of wood.
Brush Recycling and Leaves
Brush and leaves are accepted materials at the Wood Recycling Center. Keep them separate from garbage, bulky trash, construction debris, appliances and household waste. A clean load is easier for staff to identify and process.
Standard Pickup Truck and Single-Axle Trailer Loads
For free wood waste disposal, the official City guidance specifically mentions acceptable wood waste in a standard-size pickup truck or single-axle trailer for City residents. If you have a larger commercial load, contractor load or unusual debris, check the rules before going.
🌿 Brush and Branches
Natural brush, tree limbs and hedge bushes are the best-fit materials when they are clean and separated from trash or construction debris.
🍂 Leaves and Yard Waste
Leaves can be accepted when they are part of a proper yard-waste load. Keep leaves away from household garbage and mixed bulky trash.
🪵 Raw Natural Wood
Raw natural wood is different from treated lumber, glued wood, nailed boards, painted pieces, pallets, plywood and paneling.
Items Not Accepted at the Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga
This is where many visitors make the costly mistake. The official non-acceptable list includes treated lumber, pallets, glued wood, root balls and stumps, wood with nails, dirt and rocks, paneling, plywood, trash, painted wood, material larger than 10 feet in length and material larger than 5 feet in diameter.
No Pallets, Treated Lumber or Glued Wood
Pallets are not accepted. Treated lumber is not accepted. Glued wood is not accepted. If you are cleaning out a warehouse, job site, fence repair, deck project or pallet pile, do not treat the Wood Recycling Center like a free construction debris dump.
No Painted Wood, Plywood, Paneling or Wood with Nails
Painted wood, paneling, plywood and wood with nails are rejected categories. These materials can contain coatings, adhesives, fasteners and processing problems that do not fit raw natural wood recycling.
No Root Balls, Stumps, Dirt, Rocks or Oversized Wood
Root balls and stumps are not accepted, and neither are dirt and rocks. Oversized material is also restricted. The official list rejects material larger than 10 feet in length and material larger than 5 feet in diameter.
| Material | Accepted? | Why It Matters | Better Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw natural wood | Yes | Core material for wood recycling. | Keep clean and separated. |
| Brush and leaves | Yes | Listed accepted material. | Separate from bulk trash and garbage. |
| Treated lumber | No | Not accepted by the official list. | Use an approved disposal route. |
| Pallets | No | Officially listed as non-acceptable. | Try reuse, pallet recycler or proper disposal. |
| Wood with nails | No | Not raw natural yard wood. | Remove from wood-recycling load. |
| Plywood / paneling | No | Glued and manufactured wood products are not accepted. | Use construction/debris disposal options. |
| Root balls and stumps | No | Listed as non-acceptable. | Contact appropriate disposal provider. |
| Dirt, rocks and trash | No | Contaminates the recycling stream. | Separate before visiting. |
Free Mulch Pickup at the City of Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center
The Wood Recycling Center is not only a drop-off point. The City also lists mulch pickup rules. Mulch is available at no charge to City of Chattanooga residents when a valid driver’s license is presented. This is a useful benefit, but it comes with limits and loading rules.
Mulch Available at No Charge for City Residents
City residents can receive mulch at no charge when presenting a valid driver’s license. The official guidance says crews will load mulch into trucks or trailers for City residents. Non-city residents and businesses have to pay a fee to the contractor at the Wood Recycling Center.
Mulch Load Limits
Residents are limited to a standard-size pickup truck or single-axle trailer for free mulch loads. The City also lists a daily limit of four standard truck-bed loads and two standard trailer loads per day. Do not arrive expecting unlimited loading.
Mulch Must Be Covered When Leaving
The official rule says mulch must be covered when leaving the facility. Bring a tarp, straps or another secure cover before you go. An uncovered mulch load can create road debris and safety problems.
Curbside Brush Collection vs Wood Recycling Center Drop-Off in Chattanooga
Not every wood-waste situation requires a trip to North Hawthorne Street. The City of Chattanooga also provides brush and bulk trash collection using dedicated trucks that sweep each area of the city on a rotating schedule. This curbside option has its own rules, limits and placement requirements.
Brush Collection Setout Rules
For curbside brush collection, residents are asked to place brush, bulk trash, bagged yard waste and leaves in separate piles at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on Monday of the collection week. Brush should be near the public street without blocking the roadway, sidewalks, drainage ditches or catch basins.
Brush Size Rules for Curbside Collection
The City says wood waste for brush collection may not be larger than 8 feet in length, 18 inches in diameter and 4 feet in height. Brush piles must not have garbage or other refuse stacked on top or mixed in.
When Drop-Off Is Better Than Waiting for Collection
Drop-off may be better when you have a clean acceptable load ready now, when you want to avoid curbside delay, or when you are already hauling yard waste. Curbside collection may be better when the material is generated at your residence and fits the collection rules.
Contractor and Business Wood Disposal in Chattanooga
Contractors and businesses should not assume the same rules as City residential users. The official Wood Recycling Center page says non-residents and businesses pay a standard disposal fee, and the listed fee category includes non-city residents, businesses and contractors at $20.00 per ton.
Contractor Loads Are Not Free Resident Loads
If you are hauling from a job site, landscaping project, rental property, commercial account or land-clearing work, treat your load as a business or contractor issue unless the City says otherwise. Do not try to pass business debris as residential brush.
Land Clearing and Curbside Collection Limits
City curbside brush collection rules also state that contractors who perform land clearing are not eligible for collection, and businesses are not eligible for collection. That means businesses need to plan proper disposal rather than relying on residential curbside service.
Call Before Bringing Questionable Contractor Loads
When a load includes oversized limbs, mixed soil, root balls, stumps, pallets, treated wood, nailed boards or construction lumber, call first. The official non-acceptable list is strict enough that guessing is a bad plan.
Portal Confusion: Wood Recycling Center vs Recycle Centers vs Landfill vs Refuse Centers
Chattanooga has several waste and recycling pages, and users often confuse them. The Wood Recycling Center is for raw natural wood, brush and leaves. Recycle Centers handle items such as cardboard, plastic containers, aluminum cans and selected recyclables. The City Landfill has different hours, fees and restrictions. Refuse Collection Centers handle other resident waste categories.
Wood Recycling Center Is Not a General Recycle Center
City Recycle Centers do not accept yard waste in normal recycling containers, and the recycling guidance points users toward the Wood Recycling Center for wood debris and tree limbs. Do not take brush to a regular recycle center expecting drop-off there.
City Landfill Is Not the Wood-Waste Shortcut
The City Landfill page says City residents may not use the City Landfill for disposal of construction and demolition waste such as building material, dirt, block, rock, wood waste or bulky trash items such as appliances, furniture, clothes, pallets or metal. That reinforces why choosing the correct facility matters.
Use 311 or Solid Waste for Unclear Loads
If your item is not clearly accepted, contact Chattanooga Solid Waste and Recycling or 311 before driving. A quick check is better than loading a truck with wood that turns out to be treated, nailed, painted, oversized or mixed with dirt.
How to Prepare a Wood Recycling Load for Chattanooga Drop-Off
A clean load protects your trip. The facility is meant for raw natural wood, brush and leaves. If you mix in rejected material, the entire load can become a problem. Treat preparation as part of the disposal process, not an afterthought.
- Confirm your material is acceptable Bring raw natural wood, brush and leaves. Do not include treated lumber, pallets, plywood, painted wood, paneling, stumps, root balls, trash, dirt or rocks.
- Separate brush from bulk trash Do not mix yard wood with furniture, appliances, cardboard, household garbage, construction debris or bags of random cleanup waste.
- Check load size Avoid material larger than 10 feet in length or larger than 5 feet in diameter, as oversized material is listed as non-acceptable.
- Bring the right payment method If you are a non-city resident, business or contractor, plan for the $20.00 per ton fee and use check, credit card or money order.
- Bring proof if claiming City resident benefits City residents should be ready to show valid identification when using free disposal or mulch pickup benefits.
- Arrive early enough to unload The last vehicle is received at 3:50 p.m. Arriving earlier is smarter for trailers or heavy loads.
- Cover mulch before leaving If picking up mulch, bring a tarp or cover because mulch must be covered when leaving the facility.
Official City of Chattanooga Wood Recycling Resources
Use official Chattanooga resources for final decisions. Facility rules, holiday closures, storm closures, brush delays and service updates can change. This guide summarizes the official rules, but the City page should be checked before you drive with a large load.
Related Recycling Guides for Wood, Yard Waste and Drop-Off
Wood recycling often overlaps with broader recycling and disposal questions. Use these related guides when your load includes appliances, metal, electronics, general recycling or timing questions that do not fit the Wood Recycling Center rules.
Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga Map and Directions
This is a location-specific Chattanooga guide, so the map below uses the official City Wood Recycling Center address: 4063 North Hawthorne Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406. Before driving, confirm the current hours, holiday schedule, accepted materials and fee rules from the official City of Chattanooga page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga
📍 Where is the Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga?
The City of Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center is located at 4063 North Hawthorne Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406. Use the official City page or the map section above to confirm directions before visiting.
🕒 What are the Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center hours?
The official hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. The last vehicle is received at 3:50 p.m. to allow unloading and end-of-day close-outs.
💵 Is wood recycling free for City of Chattanooga residents?
Yes, City residents are listed as no charge for acceptable wood waste. The free disposal guidance applies to acceptable wood waste in a standard-size pickup truck or single-axle trailer.
💰 What are the pay rates or fees at the Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center?
The center does not pay residents for wood. The official fee schedule lists City residents as no charge and non-city residents, businesses and contractors at $20.00 per ton.
💳 What payment types are accepted?
The official payment guidance lists checks, credit card and money order. Cash and coin are not accepted.
🌿 What wood materials are accepted?
Accepted materials are raw natural wood, brush and leaves. Keep the load clean and separate from garbage, construction debris, dirt, rocks and rejected wood products.
🚫 Are pallets accepted at the Wood Recycling Center?
No. Pallets are listed as non-acceptable material. Treated lumber, glued wood, painted wood, plywood, paneling and wood with nails are also not accepted.
🪵 Can City residents pick up free mulch?
Yes, mulch is available at no charge to City of Chattanooga residents when a valid driver’s license is presented. Mulch must be covered when leaving the facility, and load limits apply.
🏢 Can contractors use the Wood Recycling Center?
Contractors are included in the fee category at $20.00 per ton. Contractor loads must still meet accepted-material rules, and rejected materials such as pallets, treated lumber, stumps and mixed debris should not be brought as wood recycling.
ℹ️ Is Recycling-Centre.org the official City of Chattanooga website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify hours, fees, accepted materials, mulch rules, holiday closures and payment types with the official City of Chattanooga page before visiting.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not an official City of Chattanooga, Public Works, Solid Waste, landfill, contractor or recycling-center page. Facility hours, holiday closures, accepted materials, disposal fees, payment types, mulch rules, brush collection schedules and service updates can change. Always verify current information with the official City of Chattanooga Wood Recycling Center page before loading wood waste or driving to the facility.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use the Wood Recycling Center for City of Chattanooga
The wood recycling center for city of chattanooga is the correct official route for clean raw natural wood, brush and leaves at 4063 North Hawthorne Street. It is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., and the last vehicle is received at 3:50 p.m.
For money questions, keep the wording honest. This is not a buyback yard that pays for wood. City residents can dispose of acceptable wood waste at no charge. Non-city residents, businesses and contractors pay $20.00 per ton, and accepted payment types are checks, credit card and money order. Cash and coin are not accepted.
The easiest way to avoid a bad trip is to keep your load clean. Bring raw natural wood, brush and leaves only. Do not bring pallets, treated lumber, glued wood, root balls, stumps, wood with nails, dirt, rocks, paneling, plywood, trash, painted wood or oversized material. If you want mulch, bring a valid driver’s license as a City resident and cover the mulch load before leaving.