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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.

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Neuhoff Germantown

Photo by NASHtoday

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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.

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