Frequently Asked Questions

GIS lets us provide a visual representation of statistical data, relevant land use data, managing database’s of needed points and then provide an ability to analyze and make informed decisions based off statistically proven information.

Household Garbage is defined as municipal solid waste and includes the non-hazardous refuse from kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and other interior rooms of a residence. Household garbage is accepted at convenience center locations under certain pre-determined conditions.

Such materials must be delivered in a garbage bag. Because of the demand on the convenience centers and the need to move vehicles through the convenience center in a timely manner, garbage bags are mandatory.

There is a twenty (20) bag per vehicle (1 trip) per day limit. Operators must enforce the bag limit during peak periods such as Saturdays and holidays, but may waive the limit during slower periods.

No "loose" garbage in large amounts (trailers or pick-up beds) is accepted. Loose garbage is not accepted because it is extremely timely to dispose of it. Operators may choose to accept the loose garbage on the first incident, but should issue a warning to the individual who brings in the loose garbage that he or she may be banned from the convenience center in the future. This does not apply to paper wrappers or other litter an individual might glean out of his or her vehicle unless it takes more than one (1) minute to collect the litter.

All bagged solid waste should go into the compactor.

The centers set their own hours, but all are closed on Sundays and Mondays. All centers will also be closed on the following holidays: 

• New Years (Dec. 31 and January 1)
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas (Dec. 24 and 25)

There may be additional closings. Please check the website or call the locations for any changes that may occur.

The five Washington County Convenience Centers exist for the use of Washington County residents, and for their disposal of residential waste. No business or commercial waste can be accepted at the convenience centers, and non-residents may not dispose of residential waste at the centers.

Make sure your waste is covered. Tennessee Code Annotated 39-14-503 states that any motor vehicle which transports any material likely to fall or be blown off onto highways shall be required to have such material either in an enclosed space or fully covered by a tarpaulin. Violation of this law is a class B misdemeanor and could result in a $200 fine.

There is no charge for disposal of residential waste at the convenience centers. See the "tire center" page for information on charges for disposal of tires.

The Assessor of Property does not set the tax rate. That is done by the Washington County Commission and the Johnson City Commission. The rate is set by those elected bodies to pay for the programs and services their governments offer to citizens. When this office reappraises property, an owners’ tax bill could go up or down depending on the new value, but that is not the same as setting the tax rate.

No. The County Trustee generates and sends out tax bills, and is also responsible for collecting taxes on property. The Assessors’ office works closely with the Trustee’s office since our duties are linked.

Washington County conducts regular reappraisals every five years, to make sure the assessed values of citizens’ property remain in line with their market values. The next reappraisal is scheduled for 2024.