Chattanooga, September 7, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is set to enhance waste management with a new pilot program that offers curbside food waste collection and glass recycling services. Running from October 2025 to June 2026, the initiative is voluntary for residents in the Brainerd and Belvoir neighborhoods. It aims to reduce landfill waste by providing dedicated bins and drop-off kiosks for recycling efforts, backed by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. This initiative not only promotes responsible waste management but also supports the local economy.
Chattanooga has initiated a new pilot program aimed at enhancing waste management through curbside food waste and glass recycling services. The program, set to run from October 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026, will initially target residents in the Brainerd and Belvoir neighborhoods.
The program is voluntary, allowing residents to participate in one or both services. Participants will manage their enrollment through the designated websites of the involved companies. Food waste collection will be executed by NewTerra Composting, a company originating from Dade County, Georgia, while glass recycling will be facilitated by Overlooked Materials, a local Chattanooga business.
In addition to curbside services, the program will include the installation of additional drop-off kiosks for food waste at each of Chattanooga’s five recycling centers. Residents opting to drop off food waste are required to register with NewTerra Composting to participate in the drop-off option.
Upon signing up, residents will receive dedicated bins for both food waste and glass recycling, ensuring a structured approach to managing these materials. NewTerra Composting is known for turning food scraps into nutrient-rich compost that supports local farms and community gardens. Simultaneously, Overlooked Materials processes recycled glass into landscaping gravel, which is then sold to local businesses.
The primary goal of the pilot program is to minimize the substantial volume of waste that enters landfills. Statistics reveal that food waste accounts for nearly 25% of landfill content, while approximately 90% of glass material ends up in landfills. A previous pilot program by NewTerra, which involved 100 households, saw 93% reporting a noticeable decrease in their regular trash pickup frequency.
This initiative is financially supported by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). It is specifically designed for residents, with businesses being ineligible to participate. Local officials have emphasized the significance of community-based solutions to effectively reduce landfill waste and enhance recycling efforts.
The introduction of this program is also a step towards supporting the local economy and fostering a circular waste management approach, which promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship among Chattanooga’s residents.
Key Details of the Pilot Program
- Launch Date: October 1, 2025
- End Date: June 30, 2026
- Participating Neighborhoods: Brainerd and Belvoir
- Food Waste Collection: NewTerra Composting
- Glass Recycling: Overlooked Materials
- Registration Required: Yes, via company websites
- Drop-off Point: Five recycling centers across Chattanooga
- Funding Source: TDEC Grant
Background Context
The rise in awareness regarding waste management issues has led cities across the nation to reconsider their waste processing strategies. Food waste and glass, in particular, have been identified as significant contributors to landfill overflow, prompting various municipalities to explore new methods for encouraging recycling and composting. By implementing local initiatives like this pilot program, Chattanooga aims to not only reduce waste but also create additional economic benefits and ecological frameworks within its community.
FAQ
What is the start date for the pilot program?
The pilot program will begin on October 1, 2025.
Who can participate in the program?
The program is exclusively available to residents of the Brainerd and Belvoir neighborhoods. Businesses are not eligible to participate.
How can residents sign up for the services?
Residents can register for either the food waste collection or glass recycling services via the websites of NewTerra Composting or Overlooked Materials.
What happens after residents sign up?
Participants will receive dedicated bins for food waste and glass recycling upon signing up.
Will there be additional drop-off options for food waste?
Yes, food waste drop-off kiosks will be installed at all five recycling centers in Chattanooga.
What impact does food waste have on landfills?
Food waste makes up nearly 25% of landfill content in the U.S., contributing significantly to landfill overflow.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Announces Partnership for Curbside
- Chattanoogan: City Of Chattanooga Launches Pilot Program
- Waste Today Magazine: Chattanooga Company Offers Curbside Glass Recycling
- Wikipedia: Waste Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recycling
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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