Tennessee Legislation Pushes for Recycling Overhaul Amid Looming Landfill Closures

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Every year, Tennessee sends nearly one million tons of recyclable materials worth $150 million to its landfills, contributing to a growing waste crisis. One state lawmaker is turning to a solution that’s been used in Europe since the 1990s: Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR.

It would shift the cost of recycling programs from taxpayers to the companies that produce the waste. And with half of the landfills across the state rapidly approaching capacity, including Middle Point Landfill in Murfreesboro, the need for action is urgent.

Middle Point is the largest landfill in the state. It was first opened in 1989, but with rapid growth in Middle Tennessee it now takes in more than 1,000 tons of waste every day from Nashville and surrounding areas. And unless something changes, it’s slated to close in just four years. Regional Operator Mike Classen says that’s when it will run out of room.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com