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 program 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 recently released TDEC 2015 - 2025 Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan (the State Plan)[4], TDEC considers all municipal and county governments that operate solid waste systems in their jurisdictions critical partners for implementation.  In fact, the State 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 infrastructure development and technical assistance.

Local Solid Waste Management Reporting and Planning Guidance

Information for the 2019 Annual Progress Report for Solid Waste can be entered at Re-TRAC Connect. Additionally, the Local Solid Waste Management Planning and Guidance and 2019 Recycling and Diversion Reporting Surveys documents serves to assist regions in further understanding of reporting, the reporting requirements, and the current reporting process.

APR Workshops for 2019 Reporting Year

It’s that time of the year again! DSWM Recovered Materials will hold APR workshops January 6-9, 2020 in locations throughout the State. These workshops will provide valuable, time-saving training and tools to APR authors, solid waste directors, and technical assistance personnel. Below are the locations for your local workshop:

All workshops will be 0900 – 1200 local time.

Middle TN APR Workshop
Monday January 6, 2020
Fleming Training Center, Room 103
2022 Blanton Drive
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: (615) 898-6500

Southeast TN APR Workshop
Tuesday January 7, 2020
Chattanooga EFO, Conference Room C
1301 Riverfront Parkway, Suite #206
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (423) 634-5745

East TN APR Workshop
Wednesday January 8, 2020
City of Knoxville Public Works Office, Community Room
3131 Morris Ave
Knoxville, TN 37909
Phone: (865)-215-6014

West TN APR Workshop
Thursday January 9, 2020
Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Dept., Conference Room
804 North Parkway
Jackson TN 38305
Phone: (731) 927-8543

JMCRHD has the following requests:
• Attendees park in the back lot
• Enter through the Vital Statistics Entrance and NOT THE CLINIC entrance.
 

If you have any questions, please contact any of our Recovered Materials staff.