Recycling Centers in Nashville, TN

Recycling in Nashville: A Local Guide

Nashville's recycling infrastructure is anchored by Metro Nashville Public Works, which operates four free convenience centers for Davidson County residents: Omohundro (1019 Omohundro Pl), East (943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Dr), Ezell Pike (3254 Ezell Pk), and Anderson Lane (939A Anderson Ln, Madison). All four are open Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., closed on Metro holidays. Residents must show a Tennessee driver's license with a Davidson County address. Up to three 30-gallon trash bags, bulk items, and all curbside recyclables are accepted free daily — and residents may drop off electronics up to 100 lbs at East, Ezell Pike, and Omohundro at no charge.

For household hazardous waste (HHW), Nashville offers free disposal at the East and Ezell Pike convenience centers only. Accepted materials include motor oil, antifreeze, paint thinner, oil-based paint, fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, pesticides, pool chemicals, and rechargeable or automotive batteries — up to 15 gallons or 100 lbs per household per month. You must present a Davidson County ID. Items not accepted at HHW include latex/acrylic paint (dry and dispose in trash), propane tanks, ammunition, sharps, and unused medications. For unused medications, check the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back program or participating pharmacies. In addition to convenience centers, Metro Nashville maintains eight recycling drop-off kiosks including 24/7 sites at McGavock High School (3150 McGavock Pk), Joelton Middle School (3500 Old Clarksville Pk), Lakewood City Hall (3401 Old Hickory Blvd), and Whites Creek High School (7277 Old Hickory Blvd) — no ID required at kiosks, curbside recyclables only.

Nashville's scrap-metal and auto-recycling sector includes several well-established yards. LKQ Pick Your Part Nashville (2030 Lucas Ln) is a self-service salvage yard open 7 days — $3 admission — and also buys vehicles from the public. Pars Auto Parts (906 2nd Ave S) and N & S Auto Parts (361 Herron Dr) are long-running south-Nashville salvage yards that buy junk cars with free towing. SA Recycling accepts ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal from the public. For commercial-grade scrap, OmniSource LLC serves industrial clients. Note that several businesses listed as recycling centers — including Recycling Balers of Tennessee (equipment dealer), Restaurant Technologies (B2B cooking-oil recycling), and Republic Services (commercial hauler) — do not accept public drop-offs.

For junk removal with an eco-friendly approach, Two Men and a Junk Truck dispatches pickup teams throughout Nashville and donates usable furniture to local charities while routing metals, electronics, and cardboard to recycling processors. Nearby cities with additional recycling options include Franklin, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, and Brentwood. For statewide resources and state-agency guidance on HHW and e-waste programs in Tennessee, see the Tennessee recycling directory.