Turning waste into jobs: Sen. Heidi Campbell introduces bill to boost jobs, cut costs through expanded recycling

The Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act could generate $300 million for recycling, add 7,700 jobs and repurpose 950,000 tons of waste bound for landfills

NASHVILLE — Tennessee is taking a bold step toward sustainability and economic growth with the introduction of the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act, sponsored by Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville.

This landmark legislation, also called the TWRRA, would establish a statewide producer responsibility organization — funded by corporations, not taxpayers — to strengthen recycling programs and expand access to service across the state. Increased recycling will cut landfill costs for local taxpayers, reduce the need to build new landfills, create jobs and provide local manufacturers a source of raw material for production, Campbell says.

“Tennessee is at a crossroads. We can continue to watch our landfills overflow, and our resources go to waste, or we can lead the Southeast in building a robust recycling economy that works for our families, businesses, and future,” said Sen. Campbell. “The Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act creates over 7,700 jobs, brings $300 million annually into our state, and ensures local governments save millions while providing access to recycling for every community that opts in to the program.”

Under the legislation, the producers who create product packaging will join a statewide Producer Responsibility Organization or PRO, which will work with local governments to manage and fund recycling programs using an innovative Extended Producer Responsibility model. Producers will finance recycling services based on the type and volume of packaging they produce, freeing local governments from bearing these costs.

This organization will also work with local governments to implement programs to educate consumers, reduce waste, and expand recycling access underserved areas. Counties with a population of less than 200,000 would have to opt into the program. The initiative ensures that communities retain flexibility while leveraging existing infrastructure to meet statewide recycling goals.

Gary Cohen, the volunteer outreach director with Reimagine Packaging Tennessee, applauded the bill’s introduction.

“This is a transformative moment for Tennessee,” said Cohen. “By involving producers directly in the recycling process, we’re not only addressing our landfill crisis but also fueling an economy where waste becomes opportunity. With this bill, Tennessee is positioned to lead the South in recycling innovation.”

Key benefits of the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act:

• Job Creation: Estimated to generate more than 7,700 new, good-paying jobs
• Cost Savings: Reduces waste expenses for municipalities by covering 100 percent of packaging recycling costs
• Source of Materials: Provides manufacturers access to material for new production
• Economic Boost: Brings an estimated $300 million annually into Tennessee for recycling infrastructure
• Environmental Impact: Reduces landfill waste, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and increases recycling rates by 355 percent

Tennessee currently ranks 48th in the nation for recycling, with only 47% of residents having access to recycling services. If enacted, the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act would transform the state’s fragmented recycling system into an efficient, coordinated program that serves urban, suburban and rural areas alike. It would also position Tennessee to be the Southeastern leader in material aggregation and distribution.

The 50 States of Recycling Report estimates that Sen. Campbell’s legislation could place $171 million of material back into the market for new products and packaging, reducing the need for virgin material.

“Tennessee is losing millions of dollars every year by throwing away valuable materials that could be recycled and reused,” Campbell added. “This bill changes that by turning waste into raw materials that our industries need while protecting our natural environment for generations to come. This really is a triple win opportunity for Tennessee businesses, residents and for our environment.”