Metro Nashville Begins Compost Collection

NASHVILLE, TN — Two Metro Public Works convenience centers now accept compost following a study that showed 54 percent of Nashville's landfill-bound waste could have been composted instead.

“As part of our vision to be the greenest city in the Southeast, we knew we needed to add composting collection sites for our residents,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “We are excited that Public Works has stepped up to implement this initiative and we look forward to expanding this to other areas across the city.”

Public Works received a grant from the state's Department of Environment and Conservation to promote composting and to fund compost drop-off sites.

“We're excited to get this grant because we know education and community outreach are critical in changing habits and increasing the amount of materials that are composted,” Sharon Smith, Assistant Director of Public Works. “We feel it is our responsibility as a department to respond to the research which shows a clear need for more options than just back-yard composting. This approach will really help us move forward with proper organics disposal.”

Once the compostable material is collected, it is taken to a Tennessee processing facility where it is properly composted and becomes soil. Materials that can be dropped off include fruits, vegetables, compostable take-out containers/utensils, paper-based products, soiled paper towels/napkins, waxed paper, cardboard, meat, and dairy products.

Compost collection stations are available at the Omohundro Convenience Center at 1019 Omohundro Place (the entrance is via Freightliner Drive) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and at the East Convenience Center at 943A Dr. Richard G. Adams Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Image via Metro Nashville