Compost and glass recycling pilot: What to know to participate
NewTerra Compost and Overlooked Materials partnered with the City of Chattanooga to reduce unnecessary landfill waste.
By Mary Helen Montgomery and Ian-Alijah Bey
The City’s new curbside composting and glass recycling pilot program is underway. Here’s what you need to know about sign-ups and who’s eligible.
Up to 90% of materials that end up in U.S. landfills could be diverted through composting, recycling, and other means, according to the EPA. As Chattanooga looks to expand its nearly-full landfill, the city is also experimenting with another approach to reduce the amount of garbage that goes there.
Two pilot programs that offer glass and compost pickup have recently begun. Here’s what you need to know to participate.
🪴 Compost
What: Two options for municipal composting: A curbside pickup for specified neighborhoods and drop-off areas at any recycling center
Who is eligible: The curbside program can accommodate up to 750 residents living in the Brainerd/Belvoir/Eastgate area (see map above). The recycling center drop-off option is open to the first 250 Chattanooga residents who sign up.
When: The curbside program is a 10-month trial service, set to end July 31, 2026.
How to sign up: For the curbside service, click here to check your eligibility and complete the sign-up process. Anyone in Chattanooga can sign up for the drop-off service. Go here to register.
♻️ Glass Recycling
What: Two options for glass recycling: A curbside pickup for specified neighborhoods, and the city will continue to accept glass at all its recycling centers
Who is eligible: The curbside program can serve all residents living in the Brainerd/Belvoir/Eastgate area (see map above). As always, any Chattanooga resident can drop off glass recyclables at any city-run recycling center.
When: The curbside pilot runs from now until June 2026; the recycling center option is ongoing.
How to sign up: Check your eligibility for curbside service and sign up here.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the end date of the curbside composting pilot. The date has since been corrected.
Contact Mary Helen at maryhelen@chattamatters.com and Ian-Alijah at ian-alijah@chattamatters.com
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