What is Zero-Waste?
As defined by the Zero Waste International Alliance:
“Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”
Take a deeper dive in our blog post: How to Go Zero Waste: Tips and Insight for Going Green and Staying Green.
What is a Circular Economy?
As defined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation:
“The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.”
In simpler terms: it’s about moving away from the “take, make, throw away” model and instead creating systems where everything can be reused or regenerated.
Compost in the Mid-South
Q: Does the Mid-South have a commercial compost facility? Where can you drop off your weekly food waste?
A: Yes! The Compost Fairy provides both residential pickup and drop-off options for food waste. Shelby County sends nearly two million tons of waste to landfills each year—and almost 40% of that could be composted. Composting empowers Memphis residents to make a measurable difference.
One drop-off site is located at First Congregational Church (access code: 0513). Food waste only—no plastic bags or recyclables.
Clean Memphis
Q: What non-profit organization has a mission to (1) educate youth and (2) empower communities to sustain a cleaner Memphis?
A: Clean Memphis works to educate youth and empower communities for a cleaner city. Their programs include free workshops like Trash Talk 101 (email jp@cleanmemphis.org), volunteer opportunities, and monthly tours of the Republic Services Recycling Facility.
Sign up for their monthly newsletter and mark your calendar for the Circular Summit at Shelby Farms Park on October 21, 2025.
Project Green Fork
Q: What organization is scaling food rescue in Memphis?
A: Project Green Fork is leading a local movement to rescue surplus food, redirect it to neighbors in need, and reduce waste in the process. Their goal is simple: keep food out of the landfills and put it back into our community.
Get Green Recycleworks
Q: What organization works with local businesses to implement and pick up their recycling?
A: Get Green Recycleworks partners with local businesses to make recycling simple. They provide consulting and pickup services for recyclable materials, helping organizations put sustainability into practice.
Memphis Recycling Centers
Q: Does Memphis have recycling centers?
A: Yes. The Memphis Solid Waste Department collects trash, yard waste, and recycling. The city also operates three recycling centers:
- Downtown (Mud Island Drive)
- Cordova (near the Agricenter)
- Hickory Hill Community Center
For a full list of guidelines and accepted materials, visit the City of Memphis website.
You can also use Earth911’s national recycling search tool to find drop-off options for specific items in your area.
Mattress Recycling
Q: Does Memphis have a place to recycle mattresses?
A: Yes. BDC Business Hub offers recycling services for materials that are difficult to process in Memphis, including mattresses, tires, Styrofoam, and light fixtures.
Styrofoam Recycling
Q: Does Memphis have a place to recycle Styrofoam (expanded EPS – polystyrene foam)?
A: Yes. BDC Business Hub also accepts Styrofoam, along with other hard-to-recycle materials like mattresses, tires, and light fixtures.
Tire Recycling
Q: Does Memphis recycle tires?
A: Yes. Memphis Tire Recyclers (MTR) works to clear illegal tire dump sites and provides sustainable solutions by turning old tires into useful products. Read more about MTR here.
Solar in the Mid-South
Q: Does Memphis have a solar company?
A: No, the Mid-South does not have a local solar installer. However, there are companies in Nashville who may be willing to travel to Memphis, as well as solar brokers who partner with solar installers. A few include:
Explore how solar can benefit your business in our Solar Solutions for Businesses page.
Challenge Your Community
What are 3 things I can do in the next 3 months?
- How can my school recycle or compost more?
- Could my workplace start a recycling program?
- Would my neighbors join me for a tour of the Republic Services recycling facility?
Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you know where to turn for help. From compost drop-offs to business recycling programs, the Mid-South has more resources than most people realize.
At Green365, we’re here to connect you with solutions that make a real difference. Together, let’s reimagine how our community uses resources, reduces waste, and builds a greener future.