Public Works FAQ
Where can I find my garbage and yard waste pick up date?
To find out when your garbage and yard waste pick up days are, please visit the homepage and click on the My City Services icon. Enter your address in the search bar and the results will reflect information related to your residence.
What does my garbage cart look like?
Gray with a black lid, 96 gallon roll-out carts are utilized for garbage collection to Kingsport residents.
How do I use my garbage cart?
Place your bagged garbage inside your cart and on your pick-up day, place the cart at the curb or edge of your property, 3 feet from any stationary object. Make sure to place the cart so the lid opening faces the street.
Will I have to pay for my cart?
Yes, there is a monthly charge for your garbage cart. For more information, please review chapter 86 of the fee resolution. Please click here to view the document.
What if I need more than one cart?
Additional carts may added to your account. Please call customer service for more information – 423-343-9860.
What happens if I place items outside my garbage cart?
All garbage must be placed in your gray garbage cart for collection. Items placed outside the cart will not be picked up.
What is the difference between ‘garbage’ and ‘trash’?
Garbage includes: weekly household refuse (food, food containers, organic waste, clothing)
Trash includes: brush, bagged leaves and grass clippings generated by the resident, furniture, appliances, small amounts of building materials, and up to four tires off the rims
The City will not pick up contractor generated waste, as well as batteries, paint and paint products, butane and gas tanks, dead animals, hazardous liquids / materials, and infectious materials.
What can be recycled?
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Items recycled at convenience centers:
- Newspaper and inserts
- Magazines
- Junk mail
- Phone books
- Shredded paper
- Home office paper products (fax sheets, typing paper, receipts, envelopes)
- Cardboard
- Tin and aluminum cans
- Glass food and beverage containers
- Plastics (#1, #2, #5)
Items not recycled at convenience centers:
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic containers containing automotive products or hazardous materials
- Food wrappers or anything that doesn’t tear cannot be accepted
- Plastic bags (can take to Walmart, Food City, or Kroger)
- Batteries (can take to Batteries Plus or Lowe’s)
- Light bulbs (can take to Lowe’s)
- Electronics (can take to the Sullivan County Transfer Station; does not include televisions)
*Please call retailers to confirm acceptance before taking items.
What is back door service?
Back door service is a paid garbage pick-up where the City will collect your garbage at your door. The fee for this service is $336.00 per year. Information referencing disability and low-income waivers or reduction in fees may be obtained by calling Customer Service at (423) 343-9860.
When is leaf season and will the city provide bags?
Leaf season runs from the middle of October through the middle of January. After that, you must bag your leaves and place them with the rest of your trash. The city does not provide bags.
Who do I call to pick up a dead animal?
Animal complaints should be directed to Animal Control, which operates through the animal shelters or at the direction of Sullivan County Sheriff’s office.
(423) 279-2741 (Blountville)
(423) 247-1671 (Kingsport)
Can I put a clothes washer and dryer on my curb for pick up?
Yes, these items may be placed with your yard waste. If you need these picked up prior to your yard waste collection day, please call 423-229-9451.
To find out your next yard waste collection date, please visit the homepage and click on the My City Services icon. Search for your address and locate the date.
