SSWI operates the largest mixed co-composting facility in the nation.
Sevier Solid Waste takes all the waste from the Cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge as well as Sevier County and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All the waste (commonly called MSW) is mixed with bio-solids and pushed into large, in-vessel digesters for 3 days. During this time, all the organic waste (food, paper and cardboard), becomes compost. Check out this brochure detailing our process.
All the inorganics are removed from the compost and landfilled. Sevier Solid Waste operates a Class I and a Class IV landfill. The Class I landfill is used for household waste and is rarely used due to the compost plant. Typically, over 95% of the entire household waste stream is diverted from the Class I. Because all our household waste is run through the composting plant, it is vitally important for businesses and residents to follow our acceptable waste guidelines found here or listed below.
The Class IV demolition landfill accepts building materials including block, wood, metals, plastics, roofing, shingles, etc. All demolition waste is measured by the vehicle in which it is brought into the landfill. We charge $7.50 per cubic yard of the container, regardless of the amount of waste. To put this into perspective, it will cost about $25 for a standard truck bed.
Keep It Out
Certain inorganic items are not allowed in the composting facility because they can damage equipment and cause delays. The list provided below details which specific items we do not allow. This list can also be found on most dumpsters in convenience centers in Sevier County.
Netting
Chains
Rolled Plastic
Furniture
Hoses
Wires
Draperies
Carpet/Rugs
Cables
Computers
Small Appliances
Hazardous Waste
String Lights
Tarps
Pictured on the left are examples of “organic” material that we composted in our facility, while on the left are items that not only pose issues to our composting process, but also negatively impact the quality of our compost. The items on the left should not be disposed of as household garbage. Want to know how to recycle properly? Check out the “Waste Wizard” tool listed below to figure out “what goes where”!