Most of our waste comes from commercial and industrial establishments, such as offices, retail shops, and restaurants. Much of it also comes from our homes. Neyland Stadium Tennesseeans throw away approximately one ton of garbage per person per year. This figure has remained constant for the last several years, even with increased emphasis and incentives to reduce waste. Generally, this can be attributed to the fact that people are individually throwing away more waste each year, and to improved collection systems across the state.
Some waste entering the solid waste stream is recycled or diverted for beneficial use.
However, a 1989 study estimates that ten to twenty percent of the waste generated in Tennessee never reached an appropriate disposal facility. In 1989, approximately one-third of Tennessee counties had no countywide collection available. Another third had collection services that would be considered inadequate by today's standards. The Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 has had a significant impact on the way we manage waste. The act requires all counties in Tennessee to assure adequate collection services by January 1, 1996.