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November 15 is America Recycles Day, a national initiative of Keep America Beautiful that encourages people to recycle and be more mindful of what they consume. It’s also an opportunity to learn what belongs in the recycling bin and where to take items that need special handling.
In honor of America Recycles Day, Wallace Real Estate is sharing a roundup of recycling resources for our friends and neighbors across East Tennessee.
Whether you’re breaking down moving boxes, clearing out your garage, or building better everyday habits, these local resources can help you get started. Before making a trip, check your location’s accepted materials, hours, and residency requirements.
City of Knoxville Residents
The City of Knoxville offers free curbside recycling for eligible households within city limits, with collection every other week. Accepted materials include paper, flattened cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, and #1 and #2 plastic containers. Glass and plastic bags should stay out of curbside recycling carts.
Residents can also use the city’s four recycling drop-off centers, which accept glass in addition to other approved recyclables. Visit the City of Knoxville recycling website for program information or the drop-off center directory for locations and hours.
Knox County Residents
Knox County has seven convenience centers located in Carter, Dutchtown, Halls, John Sevier, Karns, Powell, and Tazewell Pike. Recycling options vary by location, and certain centers also accept specialty items such as electronics.
County convenience centers do not currently accept glass for recycling. For glass, use one of Knoxville’s city recycling drop-off centers or the University of Tennessee’s public recycling center.
Explore Keep Knoxville Beautiful’s recycling resources for local locations and links to city and county services.
Blount County Residents
The Blount County Recycling Center at 331 Levi Street in Maryville accepts recycling from Blount County, City of Alcoa, and City of Maryville residents. The facility has separate containers for mixed recyclables, corrugated cardboard, newspaper, and glass. Mixed recyclables include approved paper, aluminum and steel cans, and #1 and #2 plastics.
Glass belongs in the center’s designated glass container, rather than curbside recycling carts or Maryville’s convenience center bins. For additional options, including Alcoa curbside recycling and Maryville’s resident-only drop-off centers, visit Keep Blount Beautiful’s recycling guide.
Sevier County Residents
Sevier Solid Waste offers an online lookup tool to help residents determine what can be recycled and where to take it. Its recycling page also lists municipal drop-off options, including the Sevierville location at 310 Robert Henderson Road, which accepts plastic jugs, plastic bottles, and clean aluminum cans.
For other materials, consult the Sevier Solid Waste recycling guide and county convenience center directory. Services vary by site, so check the listing for your materials before visiting.
Loudon County Residents
Loudon County operates three recycling and convenience centers in Greenback, Lenoir City, and Loudon. Listed materials include cardboard, aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines, office paper, and plastics, along with specialty items such as electronics and used motor oil.
Some materials have specific collection requirements or schedules. Visit the Loudon County convenience center website for addresses, operating hours, accepted materials, and contact information.
Cumberland County Residents
Cumberland County provides recycling options at its recycling center and 14 convenience centers throughout the county. The main recycling center is located at 96 Maryetta Street in Crossville.
The recycling center lists materials including cardboard, newspapers and magazines, aluminum and metal cans, #1 and #2 plastics, and clear, brown, and green glass. Additional collection options include appliances, rechargeable batteries, and waste oil. Visit the Cumberland County Solid Waste website for locations and guidance, and confirm which site accepts your items.
Rhea County Residents
For help finding local recycling and disposal options, start with Rhea County’s convenience center directory. It lists locations in Blythe Ferry, Evensville, Frazier, Grandview, Graysville, Morgantown, St. Clair, and Wolf Creek, along with operating hours and contact information.
The directory does not specify which recyclables each location accepts. Contact the appropriate center before visiting to confirm whether it can take your materials and how they should be prepared.
A Few Tips Before You Recycle
Recycling guidelines differ by community, but a few habits can help:
- Check your local program’s accepted-materials list rather than relying only on a recycling symbol.
- Empty and rinse accepted containers, and keep paper and cardboard clean and dry.
- Flatten cardboard boxes and remove packing materials.
- Follow local sorting instructions, especially for glass.
- Keep plastic bags and film out of mixed recycling bins.
- Check specialty collection options for batteries, electronics, and household chemicals.
America Recycles Day is a good time to revisit your routine and find a local resource you can use throughout the year. Small changes at home can help reduce waste and care for the East Tennessee communities we call home.
