Refilling in Knoxville
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Many of us make sustainable swaps every day and still end up with piles of plastic and single-use trash (recyclable or not). Although swaps like reusable silverware, food storage containers, beeswax wraps, straws, and water bottles reduce TONS of waste, it seems impossible to avoid the wasteful packaging for other necessities like home goods and groceries β thanks to the mega-corporations that produce these products. But donβt let that discourage you from doing what you can as a consumer!Β
Thankfully, Knoxville has several options to reduce your waste. Read for a list of package-free, plastic-free refillable and low waste shopping options around Knoxville. And if you find another spot, please let us know so we can add it to our list!
The BoocherieΒ (Frog Juice Kombucha)
2920 Sutherland Ave
Refills: Locally made kombucha on tap. Bring your own gallon or half-gallon growler for refilling, or purchase one of theirs.
TheΒ Boocherie is Knoxvilleβs kombucha bar. Along with several delicious Frog Juice Kombucha flavors on tap, they also offer locally made honey sodas and mocktails (or βmertailsβ). Plus, they have an awesome rewards program β for every 9 growlers you purchase or fill, youβll get the 10th fill FREE! Visit on Fridays for $10 half gallon growler refills on kombucha!
Corks
116 S Central St
Refills: Various wines on tap. Refills on their wide selection of keg wines (must use their bottles).
Located in the heart of the Old City, Corks offers the option to buy a wide selection of delicious keg wine in refillable bottles, which you may return for a discount.Β Purchase one of their keg wine options, then bring your bottle back for refilling and get $2.50 off for each bottle you return.
Farmers Markets
Other farmers markets around town
You can find tons of fresh, local produce at farmers markets around town! Produce is almost always unpackaged at farmers markets, but be sure to bring your own produce bags or tote bag to avoid plastic bags. Many local vendors also have breads, spices, oils, desserts, or other goodies without plastic packaging.
The Fresh Market
11535 Kingston Pike (Farragut)
4475 Kingston Pike
Refills: snacks, candy, chocolates, coffee, trail mixes.
The Fresh Market has two locations in Knoxville, and both have a wide selection of treats and goodies in bulk. You can bring your own containers to the store, have them tared at the register, and fill up on goodies without any of the single-use packaging!
KnoxFill
3211 South Haven Rd
Refills: Check out our Bulk Household and Personal Care and our Bulk Spices, Teas, and Coffee. Bring your own container, purchase one of ours, or use one of our free donated containers.
At KnoxFill you can find refillable home products, low waste swaps, locally made goods, and bulk spices, teas, and coffee. Youβre welcome to bring your own containers for refilling β just be sure to weigh them up at the register before filling! Our donated containers and KnoxFill containers are pre-weighed so you can go ahead and start refilling. We also have delivery and pickup options available all over Knoxville for more convenient shopping!
Sunrise Dairy
A Farm in Crossville, TN
Refills: Grass-fed local milk in returnable + refillable glass containers at various local shops.
Sunrise DairyΒ offers grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic free milk in glass bottles at shops around town! All you have to do is purchase the first bottle, and then you'll exchange your empty bottle for a full one and pay for only the milk! Find their refillable glass jars atΒ participating shops: Simpsons Meats and Farm South in Knoxville; Horn of Plenty and Amburns Market in Maryville; Seven Springs Farm in Maynardville.
Three Rivers Market
1100 N Central St
Refills: grains, legumes, beans, nuts, flours, granolas, spices, chocolates, coffees, maple syrup, soy sauce, and more. Bring your own container and weigh it at the register before you fill.
Aside from offering a humbling selection of ethically sourced and organically produced food and home products, Three Rivers Market in North Knoxville also has an extensive offering of bulk goods from candy and snacks, to baking products, nuts, spices, rice, and grains. You can bring your own containers β just be sure to have them weighed first!
The Tree and Vine
439 Union Ave
Refills: olive oils and balsamic vinegars (return with one of theirΒ large bottlesΒ for discount).Β
The Tree and Vine, located on Union Ave just off Market Square, uses recycled paper products to wrap their products and gifts, and encourage their customers to return with a formerly purchased bottle (large size) for a discount on their purchase. Best olive oil selection in town!
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We're glad to be part of Knoxville's refill scene, and we hope local refill options continue to grow and flourish! Know of other refill or low-waste options around town? Share with us, and we'll spread the word! Thanks for doing what you can to make our community and earth healthier and cleaner.