Solar Waste, Recycling Projects Expand Across Regions

Communities and businesses are advancing energy and waste projects while weighing costs and long-term environmental impacts. Crossville approved a solar installation at its sewer plant, with an estimated four-year payback, and agreed to draft rules addressing trash cans left on streets. Watertown is considering a solar farm on part of its unused landfill, but officials want further financial details and have raised concerns about battery storage. In St. Louis County, Republic Services has begun construction of a high-tech recycling plant expected to serve about 3 million residents when it opens in 2028. In Australia’s Northern Rivers, a new facility is sorting used solar panels for reuse or recycling as policymakers consider a mandatory stewardship scheme to keep end-of-life panels out of landfills.