10/16/2026
The Zero Waste TN program provides resources to encourage Tennesseans to focus on reducing their waste by being aware of where it comes from, where it is going, and how to make responsible decisions along the way. Zero Waste is a philosophy that goes beyond the traditional "reduce, reuse, recycle" model. It is a set of principles focused on waste prevention by redesigning resource lifecycles so that all products and materials are conserved, reused, and recovered. The ultimate goal is to avoid sending trash to landfills, incinerators, or the natural environment. A common way to understand the zero waste philosophy is through the waste reduction hierarchy, often referred to as the 5 R's, which prioritizes action:
Re-Think: Adjust your behavior as a consumer and make purchasing choices that limit your environmental impact.
Reduce: Be mindful of unnecessary items and learn to live without them (e.g., choosing products with minimal or no packaging).
Reuse: Give possessions a second life through creative reuse, repurposing, or donation.
Recycle: Use existing products to create new ones and reduce dependence on virgin materials.
Re-Earth: Compost your organic materials (like food scraps and yard waste) to divert the single largest waste stream from landfills.
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/environment/stewardship/resources/waste.html -waste-resources
