New Recycling Hub Grand Opening July 15th

Recycling-Hub-Info

All of the solid waste collected within Sevier County is taken to the Sevier Solid Waste, Inc. (SSWI) Compost Plant – a joint venture between Sevier County and the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. The SSWI Compost Plant processes 300 tons of solid waste each day, making it the largest municipal solid waste compost facility in the nation. All waste is processed using in-vessel digesters, where a balance of heat, moisture and oxygen combined with natural microorganisms breaks down the organic material in the solid waste to produce compost.

  • After three (3) days, all organics (such as paper and food-waste) are broken down in the digesters.
  • After twenty-eight (28) days, the organics become Grade A compost – used throughout the Southeastern United States for farming and soil erosion control.

In addition to composting municipal waste, SSWI recycles other materials such as: plastic, glass, electronics, oil, and tires. As a result of SSWI recycling efforts, Sevier County has a 70% recycling rate, which is the highest rate in the State of Tennessee. SSWI recycling (in tons) per year is listed below.

Compost > 73,400
Mulch > 3,800
Cardboard > 4,800
Mixed Plastics > 450
Glass > 120
Electronics > 110
Used Oil > 40
Tires
> 700

 

 

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