All of the solid waste collected within the 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 400 tons of solid waste each day, making it the largest municipal solid waste compost facility in the nation. The SSWI facility also recycles cardboard, recycling over 4,000 tons each year.

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 days, all organics (such as paper and food waste) are broken down in the digesters. After 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 glass, electronics, oil, and tires. As a result of SSWI recycling efforts, Sevier County has the highest waste diversion rate in the State of Tennessee. 

Gatlinburg Recycling Collection Center

The Recycling Collection Center is located at 1855 East Parkway and is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The City of Gatlinburg hosts this Recycling Collection Center in cooperation with Sevier Solid Waste, Inc.

The Recycling Collection Center accepts:

• Aluminum & Steel cans Newsprint

• #1 - #7 Plastic Mixed Paper

• Cardboard Magazines

• Motor Oil

"As stewards of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the residents and business community of Gatlinburg are aware of the responsibility to be environmentally conscious about every aspect of life," said City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle. "This recycling center is another commitment to protecting our community and making it more convenient for everybody to participate in recycling."