WM Wins Environmental Award for Materials Management

WM has been selected as the 2025 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award winner for Materials Management. The award is one of nine in different categories announced today by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

WM (formerly Waste Management) has opened a state-of-the-art, automated Construction and Demolition (C&D) recycling facility in Nashville – the first of its kind in Tennessee, and one of only a handful nationwide. In 2023, just two percent of construction and demolition materials were recycled in Davidson County, despite C&D accounting for approximately one-third of the county’s total solid waste. With over 266,000 tons of C&D waste sent to landfills, the need for a sustainable solution was clear.

In less than a year, WM has revolutionized local waste management, recovering over 56 percent of the 100,000-plus tons of C&D material processed to date. That’s eight times more than what was recycled countywide the previous year.

The new 52,000-square-foot facility is located adjacent to WM’s Southern Services C&D Landfill and marks an $18 million investment in sustainable infrastructure. This bold move significantly boosts Middle Tennessee’s recycling capacity and positions WM as a key player in solving the region’s solid waste challenges. Outfitted with customized equipment trommels (a rotary screen), vibratory screens, magnets, and a quality-control hand-sorting line, the facility efficiently separates concrete, wood, metals, and even “fines” which is a material that is typically a waste product. These “fines” now are used as soil amendment through a demonstration project.

The facility diverts tens of thousands of tons of waste from landfills annually; reduces greenhouse gas emissions by cutting long-haul transportation for debris disposal; supplies feedstock to local recyclers and secondary markets; supports Nashville’s 2030 recycling goals; and created more than 20 new jobs, with an intentional effort to hire locally, offering roles from skilled operators to leadership positions.

Understanding that successful adoption of C&D recycling requires education, WM has gone beyond building the facility. WM has hosted dozens of site tours for public officials; sustainability leaders; environmental groups; and youth and school groups.

WM’s C&D recycling initiative supports circularity across its operations. Materials recovered have been used to enhance the company’s 30-acre, Wildlife Habitat Council-certified pollinator habitat, which sits near the facility. Recycled C&D materials were used to build a pergola, raised beds for native pollinators, and a Wildlife Habitat Council award winning Pollinator Hotel. The facility shows what’s possible when innovation meets community need.

Other winners of the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards announced today in different categories are:

• Natural Resources – Sanofi, a global healthcare company
• Clean Air and Transportation Solutions – Averitt, a supply and logistics company
• Sustainable Performance – The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
• Agriculture and Forestry – Cul2vate, a faith-driven nonprofit
• Water Quality – Copperhill Industries
• Building Green – Donelson branch of the Nashville Public Library
• Education and Outreach – University of Tennessee Extension Smart Yards program
• Energy and Renewable Resources – White Pine Solar Farm