When we think about building a more sustainable future, we spend a lot of time thinking about certain materials (like plastic) and less time thinking about others (like glass). Usually, that’s because recycling the overlooked material is costly or complicated. We started by focusing our efforts on recycling glass because, in 2018, Chattanooga could no longer sustain curbside glass recycling. As a result, 90% of area glass ends up in landfills. Now, we’re here to fix that. As we grow, we’ll take on more materials that have been overlooked.
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Chattanooga is full of infinitely recyclable glass, but only 8-10% of it makes it into a recycling bin. By offering the city’s only curbside glass recycling service (and processing the materials right here in Chattanooga), we’re working to fix that problem. Our vision? A beautiful, thriving Chattanooga for generations to come.
1. Lift the veil on recycling: Ever wonder what actually happens to your recycled goods? With Overlooked Materials, you’ll know. We aim to engage the community by offering transparency in our process.
2. Close the loop: We process recycled glass right here in Chattanooga and prioritize local uses for new materials.
3. Tell the story of Glass City: Glass isn’t Chattanooga’s enemy. We just need better solutions to give it more life. We’re here to tap into the potential of overlooked materials to create a more sustainable city.
4. Focus on the gaps: We’re here to complement—not compete against—Chattanooga’s existing recycling solutions.
Chattanooga has evolved from a city known for its harmful pollution to a place of renewal and sustainability. With its most recent Climate Action Plan, Chattanooga outlines six sustainability goals that involve reducing waste and preserving our natural resources. Overlooked Materials is committed to helping the city accomplish its sustainability goals by creating one-of-a-kind solutions for hard-to-solve recycling problems. When you recycle with us, not only do you reduce your waste, you also help create materials that reduce our reliance on local mining.
From the 2023 Chattanooga Climate Action Plan
You’re welcome to check out our (x) square foot facility located near downtown Chattanooga, where we recycle your glass right here in the city. Come visit our next open house or ask us about hosting your next field trip or event at the Overlooked Materials recycling facility.
Check out our next open houseOur glass pulverizer is repurposed from Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Fitting—because Chattanooga is on its way to becoming the first National Park City in the United States!
When you recycle with Overlooked Materials, your glass comes back to the Chattanooga community. We turn it into landscaping gravel available to neighbors and businesses for purchase. Interested in ordering recycled landscaping material? Contact us.
Morgan Holl is the founder of Overlooked Materials. He decided to launch Overlooked Materials after several conversations with stakeholders who were disappointed in their limited ability to recycle glass and other materials. Morgan saw a unique opportunity to address the lack of transparency and trust within the recycling ecosystem. Recyclers lack visibility into where their materials go after the curb. Likewise, consumers who purchase recycled materials often lack access to the origin story of said materials.
Prior to starting Overlooked Materials, Morgan held various leadership roles in general management, strategy, and mergers & acquisitions in private industry. He holds an MBA from Dartmouth College and a BA from the University of Virginia.
Morgan, along with his wife Tracy and their three daughters, have been proud to call Chattanooga home since 2021. They look forward to investing in this region’s success in the years to come.