Glass Waste Diversion Program

Diverting waste from the landfill is a continuous effort that can be addressed by creating more opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Keep Blount Beautiful’s NEW Glass Recycling Diversion Program (GWDP) was created to better utilize the glass waste generated from Maryville restaurants and bars that is currently being buried in the Blount County landfill.

Each day, an average of 447 tons of waste enters our landfill, including glass waste that does not biodegrade and could be reused.

Funded by the Arconic Foundation, the Glass Waste Diversion Program aims to make better use of glass waste created at local restaurants and bars that would normally end up in the landfill. Through this program, KBB will provide the missing link between participating restaurants and the Blount County Recycling Center by picking up glass waste from and delivering it to the Blount County Recycling Center, managed by the Blount County Highway Department since 2022. The Blount County Highway Department’s unique glass recycling program collects glass from Blount County residents and various other sources and pulverizes the waste material on-site. The byproduct is then stored to use as a substitute for aggregate, shoulder stone, pipe bedding, underlay, and more in local projects. Since collection started in September 2022, over 650,000 lbs of glass waste has been diverted from the Blount County Landfill. Access to this pulverized glass product allows the county to reduce the use of natural resources, save taxpayer money, and extend the life of the landfill.

How can residents participate?

Blount County Recycling Center- 331 Levi St. T, W, TH, S 8 AM- 4:30

Glass is accepted at the Blount County Recycling Center in the blue bin labeled Glass Only. Please remove caps and lids from glass items. Laminated glass, pottery, and porcelain are not accepted.

VOLUNTEERS

Glass Waste Diversion Program volunteers are needed! Volunteers will help Keep Blount Beautiful pick up glass waste from participating businesses and drop it off at the Blount County Operations Center. 

The volunteer position will take place each Wednesday from 1:30- 3:15 PM. Multiple volunteers are desired so each volunteer is not required to be available every week, but this is a regular position and some commitment is required. Volunteers should be able to get in and out of a van and lift/maneuver heavy bins. 

The Glass Waste Diversion Program is funded by the Arconic Foundation. In kind sponsors include Epic Nine Marketing and Maryville College. Program partners include Bella, Amici, Southland Books and Cafe/The Bird and the Book, RT Lodge, Downtown Maryville Alliance, and the Blount County Highway Department.

Sponsors and Partners