Recycling and material sorting guidance for wood, metal, cardboard, concrete and household goods, with ideas for what to donate, recycle or throw away.
A little sorting changes where your material ends up. Clean wood, metal and cardboard can often be recycled, usable furniture and building materials can be donated and only the true leftover needs to be thrown away. In Nashville, a short sorting plan before you start a cleanout or a build can lighten the load and sometimes make the project feel better for everyone involved.
We help you decide how far to take it. A simple approach is three piles: donate, recycle and discard. For larger projects, we can recommend separate containers for specific streams. Clean material is key, since one wet bag of trash can ruin a load of cardboard. We share tips on where to find donation and recycling options, and we are honest when a stream does not have a practical outlet nearby. Sorting is a choice, not a requirement. Set up three bins or areas before you start, and label each one clearly. Walk through the plan with everyone who will be helping, so they know where each item goes. The few minutes of setup pay off in a cleaner load and a more organized project from start to finish.
Donate, recycle and discard.
One bag of trash can ruin a clean load.
We share donation and recycling pointers.
Not every material has a nearby outlet.
Donate, recycle, discard.
For larger projects.
Contamination undoes good sorting.
Where useful items can go.
Pointers to local resources.
Not every stream has an outlet.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Comparison guideConstruction RecyclingWhat diversion means, which construction materials are commonly separated and how to run a simple recycling plan on…Learn more 
ResourceEarth911A recycling information site with a search tool for finding where to recycle many kinds of household and…Learn more 
ResourceHabitat for Humanity ReStoresHome improvement stores run by Habitat for Humanity affiliates that accept donated building materials and furniture and sell…Learn more Add shingles, concrete, drywall, furniture and other debris to see a planning weight, which container fits and which materials need a low-side box.
You tell us what you are removing, where the container will sit and when you need it, and we recommend a size and set the details.
We check the spot, the slope, the wires and the truck path from photos or a visit and talk through weight and materials.
You get a plain written quote with the size, the rental days, the weight allowance and the terms before anything is scheduled.
The truck sets the container where we agreed, on plywood when needed, and we confirm the placement with you.
Load heavy items first, spread the weight, keep prohibited items out and stay below the fill line. Call if you need a swap or more days.
Call when you are done and we schedule the pickup, haul the container and leave the site ready for the next step.
Clean wood, metal and cardboard, plus anything usable that can be donated.
Often yes. Some organizations accept good-condition materials.
Trash mixed into a clean stream can make recycling impractical.
No. Sorting is optional, but it can help you reduce what is thrown away.
We share resources, and you can search local recycling directories.
Recycling and Diversion PlanA construction recycling and diversion plan that sorts wood, metal, cardboard and concrete into separate containers where recycling…Explore 
Construction Recycling DumpstersConstruction waste recycling dumpsters for clean wood, metal, cardboard and concrete, with separate containers and tips for keeping…Explore 
Cardboard and Packaging DisposalCardboard and packaging disposal for warehouses, stores, offices and moves, with tips on flattening boxes and options for…Explore 
Metal and Scrap DisposalMetal and scrap disposal for pipes, sheet metal, gutters, old equipment and shop scrap, with weight guidance and…Explore Tell us about your project and we will call you back to set up delivery.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
