MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – An economic impact study recently conducted by the Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) at Middle Tennessee State University finds that closing Middle Point Landfill would have a significant cost impact on Rutherford County residents, businesses and industries... That was Middle Point’s General Manager, Mike Classen. During a recent interview, he highlighted how Rutherford County would miss out on the opportunity for positive economic gains if a newly proposed expansion plan cannot be agreed upon by elected officials and Republic Services (scroll down for more on those details).
The landfill’s general manager went on to tell WGNS they'd like to continue serving the community and are working to make massive changes as they go into the future… Classen said one of their goals is to bring recycling to the forefront in all municipalities…
More on MTSU Study: The study further states that with its current operations, Middle Point Landfill has created a total of 226 jobs and has contributed to a total of $15,615,558 in personal income through its direct, indirect and induced impact. The total business revenue impact of Middle Point Landfill’s current operations is estimated to be $49,747,483. This impact would disappear if Middle Point were to close.
“Our research shows that Middle Point Landfill plays a significant role in Rutherford County’s economy. It supports local jobs, brings in millions in business revenue, and helps keep costs down for residents and businesses. As Middle Tennessee looks at future waste management options, it’s important to consider the economic impact alongside other factors,” said Dr. Murat Arik, BERC director, MTSU Jones College of Business.
If Landfill Operations Ended - Significant cost burden: If landfill operations ceased, the city of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County would endure significant disposal cost burdens of $6.8 million and $3.1 million respectively.
Increased cost of doing business: Middle Point supports 346 industrial customers and 1,142 commercial customers for a total of 1,488 Rutherford County businesses. If the landfill closes, the estimated increased costs of business in Rutherford County by industry include:
- $558K increase in manufacturing costs
- $867K increase in construction costs
- $1.4M increase for commercial clients
Job loss and business revenue: The landfill’s current operations result in an economic impact of 226 jobs and $49.7 million in business revenue.
The total fiscal impact of Middle Point’s operations is estimated to be $4,726,998. This includes $567,037 in county taxes and fees, $1,274,716 in state taxes and fees, and $2,885,245 in federal taxes and fees.
If Landfill Expansion Is Approved - The study also evaluated the economic impact of the newly proposed expansion plan. Under the proposal, it found that Middle Point Landfill would:
- Create a total of 242 jobs in Rutherford County
- Contribute $16,499,179 in personal income through salaries and wages
- Produce a total business revenue of $52,681,244
In terms of fiscal impact, Middle Point Landfill’s proposed operations would contribute to a total fiscal impact of $5,148,459. This includes $636,103 in county taxes and fees, $1,427,409 in state taxes, and $3,084,947 in federal taxes.
- The full study is available at: https://berc.mtsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/02/RutherfordCountyLandfill.pdf
- Hear our entire interview with Middle Point Landfill HERE.
