HOW-TO GUIDES
Pack It In. Pack It Out.
Practical guides for removing trash, recycling right, and leaving Southeast Tennessee better than you found it.
Doing the Right Thing Shouldn't Be Complicated
Whether you're cleaning up after a hike, sorting your recycling, or organizing a neighborhood cleanup — these guides give you the practical, no-nonsense information you need to make a real difference in Southeast Tennessee.
GUIDE 01
How to Remove Trash Safely & Effectively
Picking up litter sounds simple — and mostly it is. But doing it safely, legally, and effectively takes a little know-how. Here's everything you need.
Tip: Pro tip: The Litter Genie grab tool ($15–25 at hardware stores) makes trail and roadside cleanup dramatically easier and keeps your hands completely clear of the trash.
GUIDE 02
Recycling Right in Southeast Tennessee
Recycling contamination is a massive problem — when the wrong items end up in the recycling bin, entire loads get sent to the landfill. Here's what's actually accepted in SE Tennessee and how to do it right.
Generally Accepted (check your local program)
Cardboard & Paper
Flatten boxes. Keep dry. No greasy pizza boxes — those go in trash or compost.
Plastic Bottles & Jugs (#1 and #2)
Rinse clean. Caps on or off depending on your local program — check first. No plastic bags.
Aluminum & Steel Cans
Rinse clean. Crush to save space. Aluminum foil is accepted at many centers.
Glass Bottles & Jars
Rinse clean. Remove lids. Note: many curbside programs don't accept glass — check your county.
Common Items That Do NOT Go in the Bin
Plastic bags & film plastic
Take to grocery store drop-off bins instead
Styrofoam / polystyrene
Landfill only — very few programs accept it
Food-soiled containers
Rinse first or trash it — contamination ruins entire loads
Shredded paper
Too small to sort — bag it separately or compost
Tanglers (hoses, cords, chains)
These jam sorting machinery — always trash
Batteries & electronics
Hazardous — take to designated drop-off sites
SE Tennessee County Recycling Programs
Hamilton County
Curbside recycling available in Chattanooga. Drop-off centers at multiple locations. Call 423-209-7800.
Bradley County
Drop-off recycling centers in Cleveland. Contact Bradley County Solid Waste at 423-728-7136.
Polk County
Drop-off recycling at the Polk County Transfer Station. Contact 423-338-4503.
McMinn County
Recycling drop-off in Athens. Contact McMinn County Solid Waste at 423-745-1892.
Monroe County
Drop-off recycling available. Contact Monroe County Solid Waste at 423-442-3981.
Meigs County
Contact Meigs County Solid Waste at 423-334-5850 for current drop-off locations.
Tip: When in doubt, throw it out. Wishful recycling — putting items in the bin hoping they'll be recycled — contaminates entire loads and does more harm than good.
GUIDE 03
Leave No Trace in Appalachian Tennessee
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of outdoor ethics developed to protect wild places. In Southeast Tennessee — home to the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River, and the southern Appalachians — these principles aren't just guidelines. They're how we protect what makes this place worth protecting.
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Know the regulations for the area you're visiting. Repackage food to minimize packaging waste before you leave home. Plan for proper waste disposal — know where the nearest trash cans or pack-out points are before you hit the trail.
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stay on designated trails. In the Appalachians, going off-trail crushes fragile vegetation and widens trails. When camping, use established sites. Don't create new fire rings or clear new areas.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out — every wrapper, bottle cap, and fruit peel. Bury human waste in a cathole 6–8 inches deep, 200 feet from water, trails, and camp. Pack out all toilet paper and hygiene products. Never dump gray water near water sources.
Leave What You Find
Leave rocks, plants, and natural objects as you find them. Don't pick wildflowers or remove anything from the Cherokee National Forest — it's illegal and damages the ecosystem. Leave historical and cultural artifacts undisturbed.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use a camp stove instead of a fire when possible. If you build a fire, use established rings, keep fires small, burn only small sticks, and make sure the fire is completely cold before leaving. Never leave a fire unattended. Cigarette butts must be fully extinguished and packed out.
Respect Wildlife
Never feed wildlife — it's harmful to animals and illegal in many areas. Store food and scented items properly (bear canisters or hang bags in the Appalachians). Keep dogs on leash in most Cherokee National Forest areas. Give wildlife space and observe from a distance.
Be Considerate of Others
Yield to other trail users. Keep noise levels low. Pack out your trash even if you find a trash can that's overflowing — an overflowing can is worse than no can. Set an example: if you see litter, pick it up even if it's not yours.
Tip: The single most impactful LNT habit: carry a small zip-lock bag in every jacket pocket and daypack. When it's always there, you'll always use it.
Ready to Put These Guides to Work?
Find the nearest disposal and recycling sites in your county, or connect with a local cleanup crew.