Trash piles up at East Nashville mobile home park after ice storm delays collection

Residents say bins haven't been emptied in two and a half weeks due to delays from last week's ice storm.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Bags of trash have been piling up on the roads of Ranchwood Mobile Home Park in East Nashville after the city's trash collection services were delayed due to last week's ice storm. Residents say they haven't seen a sanitation truck in their neighborhood since a week before the storm hit, creating safety concerns with wild animals tearing into the trash bags.

Why it matters

The trash overflow at the mobile home park highlights the impact that extreme weather events can have on municipal services, especially in lower-income communities that may have fewer resources to deal with such disruptions. It also raises questions about communication and coordination between the city and residents regarding changes to trash pickup schedules.

The details

The accumulation of trash began after last week's ice storm caused delays in Nashville's trash collection services. Residents said they haven't seen a sanitation truck in their neighborhood since a week before the storm hit. The Nashville Department of Waste Service confirmed the ice storm caused the delays and also changed the regular trash pickup route for the mobile home park from Mondays to Fridays, which some residents missed the notice for.

  • The trash accumulation began after last week's ice storm.
  • Residents say they haven't seen a sanitation truck in their neighborhood since a week before the storm hit.

The players

Ranchwood Mobile Home Park

A mobile home park located in East Nashville.

Nashville Department of Waste Service

The city agency responsible for trash collection in Nashville.

Jay Jerrolds

A resident of Ranchwood Mobile Home Park.

Mark Chapman

Another resident of Ranchwood Mobile Home Park.

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What they’re saying

“It makes you feel like you live in a dump. I mean really this ain't that bad of a place. It's a trailer park, but it's not bad.”

— Jay Jerrolds, Resident (WSMV)

“I understand why they couldn't get to it, but at the same time, some of it, they could've had got to some of it. I'm sure.”

— Mark Chapman, Resident (WSMV)

What’s next

The manager of Ranchwood Mobile Homes said he is aware of the complaints and assured residents that trash will be collected on Friday.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges that extreme weather events can pose for municipal services, especially in lower-income communities, and the importance of clear communication between local governments and residents about changes to essential services.