Remember those recycling pilot programs in Chattanooga? We’re here to bring back the conversation (you could say we’re…recycling it) and provide some updates on what the pilots are up to.

The background

During Startup Week 2021, four local people + organizations pitched their pilot ideas to improve Chattanooga’s recycling:

Olivine Glass | Crush recycled glass to create sand
Green For Good | Improve recycling at home, work, and school
NewTerra Compost | Food and waste compost collection
Green Steps | Update + create new recycling visuals and education outreach

Now that you’re up to speed…

Olivine Glass

Received its glass crusher this week.
Has been collecting glass, and plans to divert at least 300 pounds of glass during its first week.
Is currently picking up glass from Chattanooga Whiskey + Proof Bar & Incubator.
Is accepting glass donations at The Company Lab (at the Edney) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Green for Good

Partnered with bars on Main Street to collect aluminum + is working with the world's largest aluminum recycler, Novelis — Green for Good collects aluminum and sends it to Novelis, which is building up a fund that will support local Habitat for Humanity builds.
Worked with Battle Academy to participate in the Trex school outreach program — it’s possible that the program could expand to more local schools next fall.

NewTerra

Worked with 100 local households to test its theory that composting could cut down on trash pickup for the city — it resulted in 6,470 pounds being diverted.
93% of households in the pilot reported they could reduce trash to every other week if they continue composting.

Green Steps

Is working with local leaders to go through the process of updating signage at area waste collection centers, so people are clear about what items can be recycled.
Spoke to City Council members about enhancing transparency on what materials can + can’t be recycled.
Organize monthly cleanups + have 50 litter stations around town.