House Bill 2518, also known as Senate Bill 1793, seeks to improve recycling efforts in Tennessee by establishing new structures and responsibilities within the state's recycling framework. The bill introduces a new requirement for the Department of General Services and the Department of Environment and Conservation to prepare and submit annual reports on their recycling actions to the General Assembly by December 31 each year. It also amends existing law to create an Office of Cooperative Marketing for Recyclables, which will maintain directories of buyers and recycling programs, collect data on recyclable materials, and promote regional collaboration in recycling initiatives.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Recycling Market Development and Diversion Advisory Council, which will advise the Department of Environment and Conservation, the governor, and the General Assembly on enhancing markets for recyclable materials. This council will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from private industry, trade associations, and local government, and will focus on assessing the recycling marketplace and developing strategies to improve recycling access. The council is required to submit its initial report by December 31, 2026, and will be terminated on June 30, 2030, unless extended by the General Assembly. Importantly, the council will not have regulatory authority over solid waste disposal or the ability to impose new mandates without separate legislative authorization.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-211-865
Amended with SA0698 -- 03/16/2026: 68-211-865, 68-211-826
Amended with SA0698, HA1205, HA1223 -- 04/22/2026: 68-211-865, 68-211-826