New Solid Waste Manager to Oversee Major Upcoming Contracts

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
[email protected]
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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New Solid Waste Manager to Oversee Major Upcoming Contracts

Posted: 01/13/2016
Rachael ButzlerRachel Butzler has been hired as the City of Knoxville’s new Solid Waste Manager. The position is crucial to the City’s Public Service Department as it oversees $9.34 million worth of solid waste contracts, serves as the liaison between residents and contractors, oversees two solid waste positions, and implements community outreach programs such as the e-recycle collection, the thermometer exchange program and the City’s role in EarthFest, among many other programs.

Butzler is the first woman to serve as Solid Waste Manager for the City of Knoxville, replacing John Homa, recently retired after serving in the position for 17 years. Homa started many of the City’s outreach programs regarding alternative waste management options. 

Prior to moving to the Public Service Department, Butzler had served as a Public Service Coordinator and an Engineering Technician for the City since 2011. Her previous work experience includes serving as an Agriculture Specialist for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and as a Research Technician at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Center in Chazy, N.Y., and at the University of Vermont. She earned a Master of Science from Texas A&M and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management from Pennsylvania State University.

“Rachel has done an excellent job during her time in Public Service,” said Chad Weth, Director of Public Service. “Her motivation and enthusiasm for improving Knoxville’s waste services, coupled with her experience and credentials, make her a true asset for the City.”

Weth says the timing of the position changeover is ideal, as two major waste management contracts are slated for competitive bid this year.

Waste Connections has managed the City’s household garbage and recycling collection contracts since 2002. The contract ends in December 2016. Shamrock Organics has managed the City’s yard waste recycling contract since 2006. That contract will end in September 2016. 

For more information on Solid Waste Management, please visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/solidwaste. To reach the Solid Waste Manager, please call 311 or e-mail [email protected]