The Nashville Department of Waste Services (NWS) announced today that trash and recycling collection is moving to a new schedule beginning the week of February 2, 2026. This transition is a major operational upgrade designed to improve services for residents in Metro Nashville and Davidson County. The systematic approach in delivery services also marks the first time collection routes have been optimized in over a decade, replacing outdated paper maps with state-of-the-art onboard technology to ensure every street is serviced with precision.
The shift to this new four-day (Tuesday-Friday) schedule allows NWS to leverage optimized routing to reduce "windshield time" and unnecessary fuel consumption, resulting in a more efficient use of public resources and a more productive delivery of service. By condensing driver schedules into four 10-hour days, the department can better support route completion and accuracy while providing consistent, high-quality service to residents. This model also allows for enhanced fleet maintenance and specialized safety training to ensure equipment is more reliable and drivers are better prepared.
“We know how important dependable trash and recycling collection is to our growing city," said Tracey Thurman, Director of Metro Nashville Waste Services. "Waste Services employees have ramped up to deliver a new standard of service through this transition, using real-time verification to confirm when and where service occurs. This modernized approach helps us provide the level of service Nashville and Davidson County deserve while making it easier for residents to plan, especially during holiday weeks."
Since many holidays fall on Monday each year, the schedule change will allow the department to reduce disruptions during holiday weeks. With the new collection schedule, navigating holiday weeks will be much simpler:
Later this month, residents will receive mailed notices and cart stickers with details about their new collection day for trash and recycling. Additionally, a schedule look-up tool is available on the Metro Nashville Waste Services website at https://www.nashville.gov/departments/waste-services/trash-and-recycling-services/new-collection-schedule. Information on the new four-day schedule will also be posted on the department's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
