Area Landfill Lifespan Shrinks as Need for Community Recycling Efforts Grow

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. - The lifespan of the Middle Point Landfill continues to shrink as Rutherford County’s population — and its trash output — steadily grows. Local leaders say a deliberate effort from residents and municipalities alike is the only way to reduce the volume of waste that ends up buried at the site.

WGNS recently spoke with Donna Barrett, Chairman of the Central Tennessee Solid Waste Planning Board, who emphasized how critical it is for the region to reach a 25% landfill diversion rate. That means redirecting a quarter of what would normally go to the landfill into recycling streams instead, lessening the environmental impact on local communities.

Community leaders from Rutherford, Cannon, Coffee, and Warren counties are working together to turn what could be an inevitable environmental crisis into an opportunity for regional innovation. But the plan will require focused, consistent recycling efforts from households and businesses.

Locally, one big question remains: Will future recycling programs include curbside pick-up for residents? Barrett shared with WGNS...

Many cities nationwide already partner with private companies to turn raw recyclables into useful products. But Barrett says organized recycling efforts must first be established at the community level. Using glass as an example, she explained how close — yet far — Rutherford County is from making glass recycling viable for vendors...

Some municipalities even build dedicated material recovery facilities (MRFs) to sort and process recyclables like glass, plastic, metal, and paper. But before any contracts can be signed for such facilities, both residents and businesses must embrace the habit of recycling regularly...

The Central Tennessee Solid Waste Planning Board is working to streamline the process by ensuring the right programs are in place — and that the public knows exactly where to take recyclables. However, as Barrett explained, the first step is always the hardest: simply getting started...

A new pilot program called “Recycle Right Tennessee” aims to help local residents take that first step by offering education and practical recycling solutions, such as convenient drop-off points and future curbside pick-up services. WGNS will continue to follow the story as more details emerge and the new RecycleRightTN.com website goes live in the coming days.

• Hear our entire interview with Donna Barrett HERE.