Chattanooga Expands Recycling Options for Residents

From curbside bins to drop-off centers, the city offers more ways to keep waste out of landfills.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Chattanooga has rolled out several new recycling initiatives, including curbside pickup, a glass collection pilot program, and expanded drop-off locations for hard-to-recycle items. The city is also testing a curbside compost program to divert food waste from landfills.

Why it matters

As cities work to reduce their environmental impact, comprehensive recycling programs are crucial. Chattanooga's efforts provide residents with more convenient options to properly dispose of a wider range of materials, helping to increase recycling rates and keep valuable resources out of landfills.

The details

Chattanooga's curbside recycling program allows residents to recycle paper, plastic, and metal in their bins, which are picked up every other week. The city has also partnered with Overlooked Materials for a glass collection pilot program with monthly pickups in select zones. For hard-to-recycle items like car batteries and electronics, the city operates five recycling centers open 7 days a week. Chattanooga is also testing a curbside compost pickup program to divert food waste.

  • Chattanooga's curbside recycling program has been in place for several years.
  • The glass collection pilot program launched in January 2026 and is scheduled to run through June 2026.
  • The curbside compost pickup trial began in Fall 2025 and is ongoing.

The players

Chattanooga

The city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is implementing various recycling initiatives to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Overlooked Materials

A partner organization working with Chattanooga on the glass collection pilot program.

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What’s next

Chattanooga plans to evaluate the success of the glass collection and curbside compost pilot programs to determine if they will be expanded or made permanent.

The takeaway

By offering curbside pickup, drop-off centers, and specialized recycling programs, Chattanooga is making it easier for residents to recycle a variety of materials and keep waste out of landfills, demonstrating the city's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.