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A resolution supporting the Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act, currently pending before the Tennessee General Assembly.
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WHEREAS, approximately 1,417,538 tons of discarded materials and products are currently sent to disposal from our community each year, based on a five year average; and
WHEREAS, everyday Tennessee counties and municipalities, rural and urban, are facing an increasing onslaught of trash, of which nearly one third is packaging and much of this packaging is disposed of in a landfill; and
WHEREAS, just twelve percent (12%) of recyclable packaging is recycled resulting in 900,000 tons lost to landfills and this state ranks 48th for recycling of packaging; and
WHEREAS, this state’s landfills are filling up; and
WHEREAS, businesses in this state want and need the valuable recyclable materials lost to landfills; and
WHEREAS, recovering valuable materials otherwise lost to landfills supports businesses wanting and needing these materials; and
WHEREAS, counties and municipalities across Tennessee are challenged to operate and maintain their recycling systems in the face of rising costs. To be efficient and effective, they need improved infrastructure, additional equipment, additional personnel, as well as reliable markets.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as urging the Tennessee General Assembly to enact The Tennessee Waste to Jobs Act which:
1. Creates jobs and provides a sustainable funding mechanism for the operation of local recycling systems, enabling investment in recycling infrastructure;
2. Diverts recyclable packaging waste from rapidly filling landfills in this state;
3. Recovers valuable materials that would otherwise be lost to landfills, litter, and incineration while developing markets for these materials and supports businesses building a circular economy in this state. Businesses in this state want and need these materials; and
4. Engages producers of packaging in the innovative reduction and reuse of packaging materials.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.