RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS) - Residents across Rutherford County have a powerful new tool at their fingertips—Recycle Right TN—a website dedicated to making recycling easier, more transparent, and more effective. With just a few clicks, individuals can take real action to reduce waste and contribute to cleaner communities.
Donna Barrett, Chairman of the Central Tennessee Solid Waste Planning Board (CTRSWPB), says that members of the board are working to streamline the process of recycling by ensuring the right programs are in place — and that the public knows exactly where to take recyclables. She explained the first step to a greener future is always the hardest - and that is simply getting started... She recently emphasized how critical it is for the region to reach a 25% landfill diversion rate, a goal that was set by the state. That means redirecting a quarter of what would normally go to the landfill into recycling streams instead, lessening the environmental impact on local communities.
A new website helps to make it easier for residents to learn what can be recycled, where the recycled goods can be taken, and what plans to better recycle are ahead of us and when new plans will be put into place. Visit the new website: www.recyclerighttn.com.
The newly launched site serves as a one-stop location for everything recycling-related in Middle Tennessee:
- Local business drop-off sites
- County Convenience Center hours, bin locations, and accepted materials
- Printable recycling guides for quick reference
- Frequently Asked Questions to help clear up common misconceptions
Barrett, Program Director of Recycle Right TN, noted, “We’re here to transform the way Tennessee thinks about waste. Real progress comes from everyday choices—and those choices start with awareness.”
Making Recycling a Habit, Not a Hassle - Across much of the U.S. and the world, recycling has already become second nature—a cultural habit as automatic as brushing your teeth. But in parts of Tennessee, the idea is still catching on.
Recycle Right TN aims to change that by helping residents see recycling not just as a task, but as a lifestyle. Building the habit starts with convenience and clarity: knowing what can be recycled, where to take it, and how the process makes a difference. When recycling becomes routine, the environmental impact grows exponentially—and future generations reap the rewards.
This isn’t just about bins and bottles—it’s about fostering a mindset of stewardship.
Accountability You Can Trust - Unlike vague drop-off claims, every location listed on the site has been verified to ensure materials are actually being recycled, not sent to landfills. It’s part of a larger regional directive to improve recycling rates and curb landfill growth.
Expanding Regional Reach - While initially focused on Rutherford County, the site also delivers up-to-date recycling info for Cannon, Coffee, and Warren Counties, making it a growing hub for environmental awareness across Central Tennessee.
Get Social - Follow Recycle Right TN on Facebook and Instagram for ongoing tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at recycling efforts in your area.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.recyclerighttn.com and click the "Contact Us" link. Many of the residents in Rutherford County and beyond are ready to start turning good intentions into daily actions—to make recycling second nature.
