RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Tensions continue between the City of Murfreesboro and BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee, the company that operates Middle Point Landfill, over environmental and public concerns. The city’s recent press release criticized landfill operations, but BFI said the city’s comments were more about publicity than cooperation. The landfill operator claimed that despite receiving complaints, the city has not shared enough details to help resolve issues. According to BFI, inspections by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) in 2025 found only minor problems, none of which required enforcement actions. All seven issues, they said, were quickly fixed, and their systems worked properly to prevent any harm to the environment.

BFI also pushed back against claims of pollution, stating that Middle Point Landfill does not produce PFAS chemicals, but instead receives them from outside sources — particularly from Murfreesboro’s own wastewater sludge and other materials sent to the site. The company argues that data shows the city is contributing to PFAS contamination in the East Fork Stones River watershed. BFI is seeking permission from the court to file a counterclaim that would require Murfreesboro to share responsibility and costs for any cleanup efforts related to PFAS contamination at the landfill or in nearby waterways.

Officials with the Middle Point Landfill responded to a press release that was sent to media outlets by the City of Murfreesboro:

From BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee, owner and operator of Middle Point Landfill – (10/27/2025) Today’s press release from the City of Murfreesboro seems more like grandstanding than truly wanting to work collaboratively to address community concerns. The city highlighted the number of complaints they have received over the last four years, but during that time, have not proactively shared specific details with us, even when we asked for it. We cannot investigate and address concerns unless the city collaboratively works with us.  

The seven observations issued by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) in 2025 at Middle Point Landfill were considered minor and did not include any enforcement action. In fact, Middle Point was aware and proactively addressing these situations at the time of inspection. All seven were quickly resolved. 

Our systems worked as intended and prevented potential harm to the environment, as noted in the inspection reports.  

Furthermore, data supports our contention that the City of Murfreesboro is contributing to the PFAS contamination of the East Fork Stones River watershed from multiple direct city sources. We also have data that indicates the City of Murfreesboro is a significant provider of PFAS-laden materials coming into Middle Point, particularly via the city's wastewater sludge, which is disposed of at the Landfill.

As we've previously stated, Middle Point Landfill does not use or produce PFAS constituents but rather is a passive receiver of material containing PFAS sent to the landfill for disposal. Middle Point Landfill is seeking the court's permission to file a counterclaim that would obligate the city to take responsibility and share in the costs of any necessary PFAS remediation at Middle Point or the East Fork Stones River.

Below is the press release sent to media outlets by the City of Murfreesboro:

City of Murfreesboro sends notice of additional Clean Air and Clear Water violations to Middle Point Landfill amid increasing violations and odor complaints – (10/27/2025)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Middle Point Landfill has now received an alarming seven environmental violations in just the last year. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the most recent violation due to leachate entering dry run-off ditches on the east and west sides of the landfill property. 

The City also recently received its 4,000th complaint related to odor at the landfill from the public portal which was established four years ago.  The complaints of odor have significantly increased in the past year. The portal is available at https://murfreesborotn.report/ for residents to submit complaints.

In addition, on September 15th, the City of Murfreesboro sent the owners of Middle Point Landfill notice of additional and continued violations of the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. These violations are on top of prior violations that spurred the City to sue Middle Point’s owners, Republic Services, Inc. and BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee, LLC, in August 2022.

The additional Clean Water Act notice details new test results showing continued discharges of landfill leachate into the East Fork Stones River, which provides drinking water for Rutherford County and City of Murfreesboro residents. The leachate also contains harmful chemicals, including PFAS. Known as “forever chemicals” these contaminants have been linked to cancer, immune system damage, and reproductive health risks. Forever chemicals do not biodegrade or break down in nature, lingering in the environment for generations. The City has found continuous discharges of leachate that include PFAS, aluminum, and ammonia at outfall sites near the landfill. Contaminants have been found near Walter Hill Recreational Area, a popular destination for local families, and near the intake pipe for the Stones River Water Treatment Plant.

The City has also notified Middle Point Landfill of additional Clean Air Act violations, which include problems with the gas collection wells, excessive emissions, malfunction of the landfill’s gas collection system, and issues with reporting the volume of air emissions from the landfill.

The City must give notice of these violations to the landfill, as well as state and federal regulators, before amending its lawsuit to include these violations in the pending litigation. Copies of the latest notices, as well as the previous notices served by the City, are posted on the City’s Landfill Information webpage —www.murfreesborotn.gov/landfill