Sullivan County opens recycling facility testing, partners with schools on poster contest and education

Sullivan County officials announced testing of a new recycling plant and highlighted a partnership with Sullivan County Schools that produced an Earth Day poster contest and school awards.

County staff said the recycling facility completed initial testing for hardwood and plastic processing and invited officials and the public to a formal opening and ribbon-cutting scheduled for June 10.

County recycling staff described a joint education program with Sullivan County Schools that brought classroom activities, coloring pages and poster competitions into elementary, middle and high schools. County staff member Mark (presenting) credited Angie Gilmore, the county recycling coordinator, and school officials for the collaboration and named Haley Barnett, a Westridge graduate and county employee, as the artist who helped create materials for elementary students.

County officials announced winners at the meeting: Emmylou Eden from Indian Springs (elementary), Madison Bennett (middle school), and a Sullivan East High School digital entry by Riley Hicks (high school), who was unable to attend because of graduation. Officials also presented “above and beyond environmental stewardship” awards to Emmett Elementary, Sullivan Heights Middle School and Sullivan East High School for campus cleanups and related activities.

County leaders said the outreach supports broader litter-prevention and beautification efforts under the Keep Tennessee Beautiful umbrella and encouraged community participation in the June facility opening and in school recycling education.