Annual Progress Report

Overview of the Reporting Process

Like many other states, Tennessee uses Re-TRAC Connect, a web-based service that does not require specialized software to be installed on the user’s computer, in order to request and collect data for annual reports. This service simplifies the process of submitting data for the APR and allows users to readily generate charts and graphs and create customized reports so they can monitor programs and trends.

Why Local Solid Waste Management Reporting Matters

The 1991 Solid Waste Management Plan identified the following solid waste issues: uncertainty regarding solid waste capacity, lack of a materials management approach (including lack of capacity in recycling collection and processing), inadequate garbage collection infrastructure, and lack of information about the cost of solid waste management. Reporting has played and will continue to play a key role in addressing all of these issues. Reporting allows TDEC to:

• Assess how regional plans tie into the State Plan
• Better understand how regions are implementing their plans
• Determine which regions are meeting established goals
• Understand why regions may not be meeting current goals
• Better set goals and expectations
• Consider changes in waste management costs and waste capacity needs

Background Information

Solid Waste Management Act of 1991

The Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 states that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) “shall make available on its website, by January 1 of each year, the forms and information to be used by the regions to file an Annual Progress Report (APR).” It also states that “each region shall submit the annual report to the commissioner by March 31 for the immediately preceding calendar year…which will include data on the following: collection, recycling, transportation, disposal, public costs, and any other information that the board, by rule, deems relevant to solid waste planning and management.” Furthermore, regions are also required to submit an APR on the implementation of their approved Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Regional Plans in conjunction with the annual report.

Ultimately, each MSW Region is responsible for all waste streams and how they are managed in the region. County control and responsibility of specific waste streams and proportions are defined by the region’s Solid Waste Plan and approved by the region’s Solid Waste Board. If municipalities operate solid waste systems, they are responsible for waste in their jurisdiction; otherwise, the county is responsible.

Under the TDEC 2015 - 2025 Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan (the State Plan), TDEC considers all municipal and county governments that operate solid waste systems in their jurisdictions critical partners for implementation. In fact, the State’s 2025 Plan is intended to provide local governments with various strategies and tactics that can be evaluated for adoption and implementation in their respective jurisdictions. TDEC assumes many of these strategies and tactics will be incorporated into Solid Waste Regional Plans. Currently, TDEC assists local governments within the regions with technical assistance.

Municipal Solid Waste Planning Regions

A map for municipal solid waste planning regions can be found HERE.

Local Solid Waste Management Reporting and Planning Guidance

Information for the 2020 Annual Progress Report for Solid Waste can be entered at Re-TRAC Connect. Additionally, the Local Solid Waste Management Planning and Guidance and 2020 Recycling and Diversion Reporting Surveys documents serve to assist regions in further understanding of reporting, the reporting requirements, and the current reporting process.

• 2020 Residential Recycling, Diversion, and Disposal Survey
• 2020 Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Recycling and Diversion Disposal Survey

APR Workshops for 2020 Reporting Year

DSWM Recovered Materials will hold three APR workshops on January 5, 7, and 11, 2021. The workshops will provide valuable, time-saving training and tools to APR authors, solid waste directors, and technical assistance personnel.

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the workshops were held virtually this year. Please click the following link to watch a recording of this year’s APR workshop.

TDEC's Annual Progress Report Workshop for 2020 Reporting Year

The Materials Management Staff has prepared instructional videos on some aspects of the APR and how to use the Re-Trac web software. Please keep an eye on this space for additional videos.

• APR Overview
• Re-Trac Overview
• Administrative Contact Information 
• 10-Year Plan Update
• Forgotten Username or Password

If you need more information or if you have any questions, please contact any of our Recovered Materials staff.