Attention Memphis residents: Make sure to mark your calendars and prepare your trash bins accordingly. The City of Memphis government offices, including Solid Waste Management services, are taking a day off to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The city offices and trash collection services will not operate on Monday, January 19, 2026, as they observe MLK Jr. Day. As reported by the City of Memphis, this means significant adjustments to the trash collection schedule for Memphis residents.
Here's what this means for local trash collection: Monday customers should have their bins out by 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20. However, there is no change for those with collection scheduled from Wednesday through Friday—your trash will be picked up on your usual day. Additionally, services for excess trash and yard waste will be limited during the holiday week. These changes are in place to accommodate the workforce as they take the day to remember and reflect on the profound impact of MLK Jr.'s work for civil rights and equity in America.
For residents serviced by Team Waste, there will also be a few disruptions to note. The company has announced a one-day service delay for customers, which means those with Monday collection should not forget to place carts at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20. The rest of Team Waste customers can expect their service to shift forward by one day as well. Like the City of Memphis Solid Waste Management, Team Waste will also have limited excess trash and yard waste services during the week of MLK Jr. Day.
With these schedule alterations, all Memphis residents are advised to plan accordingly to ensure that garbage and recyclables are dealt with efficiently and without interruption. It’s a small adjustment in our routines, a pause in the mechanism of urban life, to pay respect to an individual whose life’s work continues to challenge and inspire generations to pursue equality and justice with steadfast commitment.
