Rutherford County Solid Waste Board Preps For Trashmore's Closure

MURFREESBORO, TN — Though the Middle Point landfill outside of Murfreesboro — perhaps better known as "Mount Trashmore" — won't be at capacity until 2025, Rutherford County is continuing to prepare in earnest for what happens afterward.

Members of the Rutherford County Solid Waste/Advisory Steering Council will meet at 5 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Rutherford County Commission Chamber.

Once Middle Point closes, Rutherford County taxpayers will lose free use of the landfill — the equivalent of $4 million annually – and the county will no longer receive approximately $900,000 a year, which is paid by 19 other counties, including Metro Davidson County, that use Middle Point.

“The way we currently handle solid waste is inevitably going to change,” said Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland, a committee member, said in a statement. “We are eager to pinpoint the best way to go forward – the way that best serves our taxpayers. We will prepare by taking steps that are sound, both for the economy and the environment.”

Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, also on the committee, said, “We are moving toward choosing a plan that we can recommend to the community. Committee members have visited several other communities and evaluated their approaches to solid waste disposal. We have studied an array of options.

“Now, we can focus on the best options for Rutherford County and move ahead on what will work best in our communities.”

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