Chattanooga, TN, October 1, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga will introduce curbside collection for glass recycling and food waste pickup in October as part of a pilot program aimed at reducing landfill waste. This free service will be available to residents in the Brainerd and Belvoir neighborhoods, managed by Overlooked Materials and NewTerra Composting. The program is expected to run until June, with drop-off sites for food waste also being introduced. This initiative will help enhance sustainability efforts and reduce environmental impact.
Chattanooga will introduce curbside collection for glass recycling and food waste pickup starting in October 2025 as part of a new pilot program aimed at reducing landfill waste. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing sustainability and minimizing environmental impact.
The program will be available for free to residents in the Brainerd and Belvoir neighborhoods. It represents a collaborative effort between the city and companies specialized in handling each material. The pilot program is expected to run until June 2026, after which the city will evaluate its success and consider expanding the program to additional neighborhoods.
So far, more than 100 households have already signed up for the curbside collection program, which will be managed by Overlooked Materials for glass recycling and NewTerra Composting for food waste. Residents who participate in the program will receive dedicated containers for both food and glass waste upon enrollment.
In addition to curbside services, Chattanooga plans to offer drop-off sites for food waste at each of the city’s five recycling centers starting October 1. Residents must register with the city to access the drop-off service, which mandates the use of a personalized bucket available at the recycling center.
This curbside collection program is entirely voluntary and is designed exclusively for residents, not businesses. The recycling of glass has changed significantly since 2018, when it was removed from city recycling bins due to contamination issues. Currently, only 1,000 tons of glass are recycled in Chattanooga, despite an estimated 20,000 tons being generated annually. The introduction of this pilot program aims to significantly increase that recycling rate.
Food waste is another critical component of the program, as it accounts for nearly 25% of all materials sent to municipal landfills and is a major contributor to methane emissions. NewTerra has estimated that the pilot program could help reduce trash disposal costs and extend the lifespan of landfills through its efficient composting processes that can handle a wide range of food scraps.
NewTerra Composting secured funding for this program following a successful trial during the city’s Startup Week in 2021. Under the pilot program, the compost produced will be nutrient-rich and intended for redistribution to local farms and community gardens, further enhancing sustainability efforts within the city.
The curbside glass pickup service will be provided at no charge to participating residents, funded by the city at the rate of $4 per household per month, capped at 750 households. The program illustrates the potential of local partnerships to enhance sustainability efforts and improve environmental well-being in Chattanooga.
Key Features of the Pilot Program
- Start Date: October 2025
- Duration: Until June 2026
- Target Areas: Brainerd and Belvoir neighborhoods
- Participants: Residents only, businesses excluded
- Curbside Glass Collection: Managed by Overlooked Materials
- Food Waste Management: Handled by NewTerra Composting
- Registration: Required for participation
- Cost: Free service for participating households, city-funded at $4 per month
FAQ
What is the start date for the curbside collection program?
Chattanooga will introduce curbside collection for glass recycling and food waste pickup starting in October 2025.
How long will the pilot program run?
The pilot program will run until June 2026, at which point the city will evaluate its success and potential expansion to other neighborhoods.
Who can participate in the curbside recycling program?
The curbside program is voluntary and is not available to businesses, only residents.
What materials will be managed in this pilot program?
Overlooked Materials will handle the curbside glass collection, while NewTerra Composting will manage food waste.
How much of the food waste is typically sent to landfills?
Food waste comprises nearly 25% of all municipal landfills and is a major source of methane emissions.
Comparison of Glass Recycling and Food Waste Programs
| Feature | Glass Recycling | Food Waste Composting |
|---|---|---|
| Start Date | October 2025 | October 2025 |
| Program Duration | Until June 2026 | Until June 2026 |
| Residents Served | Brainerd and Belvoir neighborhoods | Brainerd and Belvoir neighborhoods |
| Service Cost to Residents | Free (funded by city at $4/month) | Free (funded by city) |
| Curbside Pickup Provider | Overlooked Materials | NewTerra Composting |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s Glass Recycling and Compost Pilot
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Announces Partnership for Curbside Composting and Glass Pickup
- Chattanoogan: City Of Chattanooga Launches Pilot
- Waste360: Curbside Food Waste and Glass Recycling Programs Coming to Chattanooga, TN
- Wikipedia: Recycling
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
