The state of Tennessee is changing the way we think about recycling; at least when it comes to being a visitor. By now most of the local residents are already accustomed to recycling at home and in the workplace. We’re all getting into the habit of sorting our plastics, papers and soda cans out of the regular garbage and into the designated recycling bins. But what about out of town visitors who are making stops at welcome centers along I-75 in Chattanooga? Shouldn’t they be able to recycle? Now they can thanks to the efforts of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the state Tourist Department. Those agencies have gotten together to put out recycling bins at all those rest stops which will go a long way towards improving the state’s overall recycling goals.

“Recycling away from home is one challenge that all recyclers face,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau in a news release. “Visitors to our state will now see receptacles with blue and green lids for recycling.” The rest stops included in the program are located at I-65 near Ardmore, I-81 at Bristol, I-24 at Clarksville, I-26 at Erwin, I-40 at Hartford, I-75 at Jellico, I-65 at Mitchellville and I-40 at Smith County.

Just to give you an indication of how successful a state program can be, since 1990, state workers have managed to recycle over 18,791 tons of mixed office paper. This has resulted in a huge savings to the tune of $564,000 in landfill disposal costs plus $213,000 in recycling revenue.

All of this adds up to the simple fact that recycling matters. But you can go beyond your weekly recycling pickup and make sure the majority of everything you throw out is recycled by contracting with a company like Junk King Chattanooga for your oversized junk removal. Junk King is a local TN business that supports the goals of the state and city by making junk recycling the foundation of their services. Even without an official mandate, Junk King already diverts a large portion of everything they collect away from local landfills and to certified recycling centers. By doing so they can officially help you reduce your own carbon footprint. That means that things like old furniture, refrigerators, stoves, mattresses, tires and e-waste won’t be tossed onto a dump pile to rot away in the sun. Instead, it will be properly dismantled and have all parts put to repurposing.

Why not let Junk King become your new recycling partner? Call them today to find out how they can help clean up your home, backyard or business. Keep Chattanooga clean the Junk King way.