# Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-102: Public policy > Tennessee · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-102 ## Section - **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-102 - **Heading:** Public policy - **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** TN Code / Title 68 / Chapter 211 / Section 68-211-102 ## Text (a) In order to protect the public health, safety and welfare, prevent the spread of disease and creation of nuisances, conserve our natural resources, enhance the beauty and quality of our environment and provide a coordinated statewide solid waste disposal program, it is declared to be the public policy of the state of Tennessee to regulate solid waste disposal to: (1) Provide for safe and sanitary processing and disposal of solid wastes; (2) Develop long-range plans for adequate solid waste disposal systems to meet future demands; (3) Provide a coordinated statewide program of control of solid waste processing and disposal in cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies responsible for the prevention, control, or abatement of air, water, and land pollution; and (4) Encourage efficient and economical solid waste disposal systems. (b) The general assembly declares that it is the policy of this state to ensure that no hazardous waste, as regulated under chapter 212 of this title, is disposed of in a solid waste disposal facility. Therefore, subject to the appropriation of funds in the general appropriations act for such purposes, the department shall develop an inspection program for all permitted facilities, including landfills and processing facilities, that provides for frequent, thorough and regular inspections. Further, subject to the appropriation of funds in the general appropriations act for such purposes, the department shall inspect waste streams, baled waste and special waste generators and transporters to prevent the introduction of hazardous waste into solid waste disposal facilities. Acts 1969, ch. 295, § 2; T.C.A., § 53-4302; Acts 1991, ch. 451, § 5; T.C.A., § 68-31-102. (a) In order to protect the public health, safety and welfare, prevent the spread of disease and creation of nuisances, conserve our natural resources, enhance the beauty and quality of our environment and provide a coordinated statewide solid waste disposal program, it is declared to be the public policy of the state of Tennessee to regulate solid waste disposal to: (1) Provide for safe and sanitary processing and disposal of solid wastes; (2) Develop long-range plans for adequate solid waste disposal systems to meet future demands; (3) Provide a coordinated statewide program of control of solid waste processing and disposal in cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies responsible for the prevention, control, or abatement of air, water, and land pollution; and (4) Encourage efficient and economical solid waste disposal systems. (1) Provide for safe and sanitary processing and disposal of solid wastes; (2) Develop long-range plans for adequate solid waste disposal systems to meet future demands; (3) Provide a coordinated statewide program of control of solid waste processing and disposal in cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies responsible for the prevention, control, or abatement of air, water, and land pollution; and (4) Encourage efficient and economical solid waste disposal systems. (b) The general assembly declares that it is the policy of this state to ensure that no hazardous waste, as regulated under chapter 212 of this title, is disposed of in a solid waste disposal facility. Therefore, subject to the appropriation of funds in the general appropriations act for such purposes, the department shall develop an inspection program for all permitted facilities, including landfills and processing facilities, that provides for frequent, thorough and regular inspections. Further, subject to the appropriation of funds in the general appropriations act for such purposes, the department shall inspect waste streams, baled waste and special waste generators and transporters to prevent the introduction of hazardous waste into solid waste disposal facilities. Acts 1969, ch. 295, § 2; T.C.A., § 53-4302; Acts 1991, ch. 451, § 5; T.C.A., § 68-31-102. ## Nearby sections - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-101 Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-101.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-102 Public policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-102.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-103 Part definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-103.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-104 Unlawful methods of disposal](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-104.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-105 Supervision over construction of disposal facilities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-105.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-106 Registration - Variances, waivers, and exemptions - Permits-by-rule - Public notice - Denial of permit - Liability or obligation for cleanup or remediation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-106.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-107 Supervision of operation - Rules and regulations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-107.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-108 Delegation of duties to local health officers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-108.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-109 Federal grants to counties and municipalities - Review and approval](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-109.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-110 Disposal on own land](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-110.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-111 Underground storage tanks and solid waste disposal control board - Members and terms - Vacancies - Termination due to vacancy - Notice of hearings - Public comment - Rules and regulations - Meetings - Compensation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-111.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-112 Orders for correction - Preliminary conference with alleged violator](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-112.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-113 Review of correction order or plan disapproval - Hearing - Appeal](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-113.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-211-114 Criminal penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-114.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T68_C211_S68-211-102. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.