Leading businesses back ‘Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act’ to unlock millions in manufacturing opportunities

Video by ‘Tennessee Waste to Jobs’ coalition shows how local businesses, taxpayers will benefit

NASHVILLE — Tennessee’s trash isn’t just waste — it’s opportunity. Today, a coalition of manufacturers and major corporations announced their support for the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act, championed by Sen. Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) and Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville). This forward-thinking legislation aims to transform Tennessee’s waste into a steady supply of raw materials for manufacturing — all while reducing the burden on landfills nearing capacity.

At stake? An estimated $171 million in valuable materials — aluminum, glass, plastic — that are currently being thrown away. With a statewide, coordinated recycling plan, businesses can recover these resources before they end up in landfills, fueling Tennessee’s manufacturing sector and creating new jobs.

“Our waste has real economic value,” said Sen. Campbell. “By reclaiming discarded materials, we’re not only helping manufacturers meet demand — we’re also ensuring taxpayers aren’t left footing the bill for landfill expansion.”

Without action, Sen. Campbell says, local taxpayers will continue to bear the cost of increasing landfill waste, a cost that will spike dramatically after local landfills reach capacity.

The Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act offers a practical solution: supporting businesses, protecting the environment, and turning waste into economic opportunity.

Industry rallies behind the bill

A powerhouse coalition of industry leaders and manufacturers is backing the legislation, including:

• Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, including: Mars, Unilever, Nestlé and Danone;
• IKEA
• Aphena Pharmaceuticals
• Atlantic Packaging
• Florim Tile
• Gränges Americas
• Kaiser Aluminum
• Recycle Services
• Shapiro Metals

A newly released video from the Waste to Jobs Coalition showcases how Tennessee manufacturers stand to benefit from a stronger recycling infrastructure.

The Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act, Senate Bill 269, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Government Operations Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 26. If passed by the full legislature, it would require the state to develop a comprehensive plan to:

• Divert packaging waste away from overcrowded landfills.
• Recover valuable materials for manufacturing.
• Develop a business network that turns waste into new products.

A study by the Ball Corporation predicts Tennessee would see $1.5 billion worth of economic and environmental outcomes through passage of legislation like the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act.

“Tennessee manufacturers need these materials,” said Rep. Freeman. “Right now, we’re throwing away an economic opportunity. This bill ensures we reclaim those resources and put them to work.”

Find more information on the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act at TNWasteToJobs.com.