RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Join us today on the WGNS Action Line as we delve into the important topic of environmental accountability with Mike Classen, General Manager of Middle Point Landfill. Scott Walker hosts this insightful discussion about the challenges faced by the landfill in the Walter Hill area of Rutherford County. Discover the implications of trash coming from Nashville, the landfill's current operational status, and the projected four years of life left in the facility. Mike also shares notes from a recent press conference that featured the mayors of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. He also shed more light on local efforts to address waste management and environmental concerns, recycling and landfill gas and the addition of  Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that affects our community’s future!

• Read the “Long Term Sustainable Solid Waste Solution” from Middle Point HERE.
• Read the Middle Point Public Works Committee presentation HERE.

Most Recent Middle Point News Article: 

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – In a historic announcement, Republic Services proposed to Rutherford County an economic benefits package valued at $1.13 billion to modernize the county’s solid waste and recycling system. Republic’s proposal is the culmination of years-long discussions with elected officials, county leaders and citizens. The plan puts Rutherford County in control, with a fiscally responsible, long-term solid waste solution that modernizes the county’s current solid waste system, closes budget gaps, and relieves the county of current and future debt, ultimately resulting in a minimum of $201 annual savings per household. The proposal includes:

Eliminating Davidson County residential waste from Middle Point: Republic will divert curbside waste from Middle Point, extending capacity life by decreasing incoming tonnage.

Capping the allowed quantity of out-of-county waste: Republic will work with elected officials to set tonnage caps on out-of-county inbound waste, prioritizing Rutherford County residential, business and industry waste, resulting in a 50% reduction in the amount of waste received at Middle Point.

Doubling the current host fee: Rutherford County currently receives $1.20 per ton of out-of-county waste. Republic proposes to increase this fee to $2.50 per ton to make up the difference in revenue from lower out-of-county waste volume.

Assuming financial and environmental liability for the closed Rutherford County Landfill: The old county landfill site sits adjacent to Middle Point Landfill and has long been a significant sunk cost and environmental liability for the county. Republic proposes purchasing this site from the county and combining the two sites into one. In doing so, Republic will assume the ongoing financial commitment of ensuring the facility meets all state and federal environmental regulatory standards.

Relieve the county of new transfer station debt service: Rutherford County recently took on $26 million in debt for a new transfer station. Republic Services would absorb this debt from the county and repurpose the transfer station into a recycling and diversion center, creating a first-of-its-kind program for Rutherford County and delivering long-term sustainability initiatives for the county.

Providing free disposal for Rutherford County residents: Residents of Rutherford County will receive free waste disposal at Middle Point, valued at $769+ million long term. Per household, savings are estimated to be at least $201 annually.

Constructing and operating new diversion and recycling programs, in partnership with the county: Republic will work with Rutherford County to establish and implement waste diversion and recycling programs countywide for residents and area businesses.

Establishing an environmental accountability council to ensure continued environmental performance: This citizen-driven council, formed in direct consultation with the Rutherford County Public Works Committee, will meet regularly with Republic representatives to build an open channel of communication and provide complete transparency as operators combine the two sites — the old landfill and Middle Point — into one.

“We’re presenting Rutherford County with a master plan valued at more than $1 billion to support the county’s sustainable long-term growth,” said Mike Classen of Republic Services. “This proposal is a product of thoughtful and deliberate conversations with county leaders. We believe it represents the best, most cost-effective and environmentally responsible path forward for Rutherford County — one that solves immediate challenges and aligns with our leaders’ growth goals for the future.”

By the numbers long term, this partnership will provide:

• $769 million in savings for free disposal for county residents
• $265 million savings in county landfill maintenance, environmental and financial liability
• $70 million in revenue from the increased host fee
• $26 million savings in debt service of the repurposed county transfer station

Outside of the deal, Republic Services will continue its investments in community programs, partnerships and initiatives that empower the lives and livelihoods of Rutherford County residents. Examples of previous investments include paying off school lunch debt at Overall Creek Elementary School, providing $125,000 for new turf at Oakland High School, donating $150,000 for a new outdoor STEAM classroom at Walter Hill Elementary School and $125,000 in free disposal for recovery activities after the Readyville tornado.

“Rutherford County is where our employees live and work. This is our home, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the county for years to come,” Classen said.