Join TEC's Recycling Roundups Email List

A community event organized and hosted by Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) and local environmental supporters,  where residents may drop off certain hard-to-recycle items like tires, mattresses, scrap metal, and Styrofoam to be recycled, free of charge.

Why are we doing this?
TEC is providing this service as a way to help improve Tennessee’s environment and communities, reduce litter and  illegal dumping, reduce our reliance on landfills, support Tennessee’s recycling economy, and provide an important service to Tennessee households. This project is made possible by an environmental justice grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a grant through Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Our goal is to help residents sustain these events in their communities.

What happens to these items once they are dropped off?
TEC partners with mostly local vendors to recycle these items and keep them out of landfills. We only accept certain items to ensure there is a recycling end destination for those materials. Many materials are refurbished, processed into new materials, or downgraded into other materials like rags and carpet padding.

How do I request a “Recycling Roundup” event in my community?
Our TDOT grant communities have been chosen but we expect to open up the application process in late spring of 2024 for our next round of EPA Roundups. The application will be open to Solid Waste Directors, Councilmembers, Mayors, State Senators and Representatives. We encourage you to notify your local representatives to apply for this opportunity once the application process is open. Please check back for additional information about this opportunity. To receive monthly updates on this project, click here to register for TEC’s Recycling Roundup email newsletter.

When are the events taking place?
These events are taking place March 2024 – Fall of 2026. Check back for specific dates for each Recycling Roundup event.

What items can I drop off at these events?
We are accepting hard-to-recycle items like electronics, tires, scrap metal, Styrofoam, mattresses, pet supplies, and more. Items vary depending on location. Check our website for the most up to date information.

Is there a fee to drop off items?
There are no fees for residents to drop off items at our events. No items from businesses will be accepted.  We do have limitations on how many tires and mattresses residents may drop off. A fee will be incurred to recycle materials beyond the allotted amount.