Curbside Compost Pilot Expands
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Chattanooga is expanding its curbside compost and glass recycling pilot program to three additional neighborhoods.
The Department of Public Works announced Monday the program will now include Missionary Ridge, Ridgedale, and Highland Park.
While sign-ups are open now, collection for the expanded zones will not begin until January 2026.
The pilot is currently scheduled to run through June 30, 2026.
The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste by diverting food scraps and glass for reuse.
City data shows roughly 25 percent of landfill waste is food, while most glass, despite being recyclable, still ends up buried.
Through partnerships with NewTerra Composting and Overlooked Materials, collected food waste is turned into compost, while glass is repurposed for construction and stormwater infrastructure.
The program is powered by voluntary resident participation and community involvement.
Participation is optional, but residents must sign up to receive collection containers.
Compost is collected weekly, and glass is collected monthly, with collection dates assigned after registration. Businesses are not currently eligible.
Residents outside the expansion zones can still participate through compost drop-off kiosks located at Chattanooga’s five recycling centers.
Sign-ups are available through the City of Chattanooga’s website.
