Chattanooga Launches Recycling Pilot Programs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Chattanooga has launched two new recycling pilot programs aimed at reducing landfill waste and improving sustainability.

In partnership with NewTerra Composting and Overlooked Materials, the city will offer curbside food waste composting and glass recycling collection through June 2026.

The programs are focused on neighborhoods in the Brainerd area, targeting two of the largest contributors to landfill volume: food waste and glass.

Food waste makes up almost 25% of landfill content and is the third largest source of methane emissions nationwide. 

Glass, though fully recyclable, ends up in landfills about 90% of the time.

NewTerra Composting will collect and process food scraps into compost, while Overlooked Materials will recycle glass into reusable materials for construction and local manufacturing.

In addition to curbside options, compost drop-off kiosks will be installed at each of the city’s five recycling centers.

Participation is voluntary and open to residents within the pilot zones. 

Those interested can register directly through the partner websites. 

The composting initiative is funded through a TDEC Organics Management Grant.

The City says the programs represent an important step toward more responsible waste management and could guide future recycling policies.