Support Us Button Widget

Reduce, reuse, recycle: How a Nashville proposal could prompt a greener response to construction waste

If the new legislation is approved, it would introduce recycling requirements for developers and construction sites in phases beginning July 1, 2024.

NASHtoday_Construction_Project_JUNE_2023.jpg

Neuhoff Germantown

Photo by NASHtoday

Table of Contents

Around 33%. That’s the amount of waste in Middle Tennessee landfills from construction and demolition debris — but a new proposal expected to be presented to Metro Council this month could change that.

What this means

The ordinance would apply to large commercial and multifamily (5+ units) construction projects valued at $500,000+ and commercial demolition projects valued at $50,000 or more. Materials diverted from landfills will be phased in over a three-year period and begin with corrugated cardboard, metal, clean concrete, and land clearing debris in Phase 1. It is the job site’s responsibility to collect materials in a container for them to later be sorted at a recycling facility.

Note: Enforcement would begin for permits applied for on or after July 1, 2024.

Get involved

Stay tuned for a series of virtual and in-person public meetings to share your input, or fill out the online form.

Bonus: Review the proposed timeline + recycling processing facility requirements.

More from NASHtoday
The Margin Distict will bring new living, working, shopping, and dining options to downtown Franklin in 2027.
The rotating art display features seven Tennessee artists until the end of February with works scattered from Concourses A and D to Level 1’s IAF Exit Waiting Area.
Hit the road and head to the Gatlinburg area — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
The new one-day festival on Saturday, Feb. 1 celebrates two things that make Music City what it is: local artists and independent music venues.
Ugly Bagel is hosting the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar location at the downtown development on Wednesday, Nov. 13
Make the most of the holiday season with this ultimate guide to local events and activities happening across Music City this winter.
The project by AJ Capital Partners on Chestnut Street will be a part of the developer’s Wedgewood Village mixed-use property, which also includes Nashville Warehouse Co. and May Hosiery Mills.
Sometimes we all need a little breakfast inspiration, so we’re helping out with a list of Nashville spots that open at 6, 7, and 8 a.m.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
The university’s men’s and women’s programs not only lit up the scoreboards with a win to start the season, but the teams accomplished an SEC feat that hasn’t been touched since 2001.