Records indicate that the City of Scottsboro has been in the garbage business since the early fifties, and logic suggests that services were probably provided before that era. Originally, the same department provided sanitation and street services but due to growth and development changes were made. In 1976, sanitation became a separated department. Since that time the department has grew and developed to effectively meet the growing needs of the City of Scottsboro. In 1996 the department changed its title to Scottsboro Solid Waste Department. The Scottsboro Solid Waste Department (SSWD) provides several services within Scottsboro city limits. The department has two primary divisions, landfill and collection.

In 1992 the City of Scottsboro was one of the first cities in the state or southeast to go to automated trucks. Residentially, SSWD runs three automated garbage trucks that service approximately 6,500 customers. SSWD offers a 65-gallon container or a 95-gallon container for residential needs. Commercially, SSWD services over 600 businesses by the means of two front-loading trucks. These routes are run from 2:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. to efficiently service needs of the customer. SSWD also services over 50 roll-off containers with two roll-off trucks. The department runs one rear-loading truck to collect cardboard from 75 businesses. Construction of a new baling facility began in August of 1991 on John T. Reid Parkway that will serve as a recycling center, waste handling center and operational base for collection.