TEC opens period for communities to apply for free Recycle Roundups

Courtesy of William Northcutt Photography

SPECIAL TO THE STATE GAZETTE

Non-profit entity Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) has opened up the application period for communities in need of a free “Recycling Roundup.” TEC is coordinating 15 of these roundups across the state over the next three years, focusing on underserved communities. They intend to make recycling more accessible and reduce illegal dumping, litter, and landfill use.

Community leaders must use TEC’s online application form to be considered for one of these free events. There is no cost to apply. These roundups will accept household items like electronics, tires, scrap metal, Styrofoam, mattresses, and more. This will offer a convenient recycling solution at no cost to approved communities.

This program is made possible by an environmental justice grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded to TEC. Since 2021, TEC has recycled more than 480,000 pounds of materials in Roundups across Tennessee. TEC was recently awarded the 2024 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award in recognition of its Recycling Roundup program.

The deadline to apply is November 8, 2024, at 5 p.m. CST. Eligible to apply are local, state, and federal elected officials, solid waste directors, and Keep Tennessee Beautiful affiliates. They will receive an email with application information. Community residents interested in this program are encouraged to contact their local elected officials to apply on their behalf. For more info, contact Ginger Reasonover via email at ginger@tectn.org or visit tectn.org/recyclingroundup.

The first round of selections will be announced in January 2025. The Recycling Roundups will take place Spring 2025 through Spring 2027.