Murfreesboro, TN - On Thursday evening (7/31/2025) the Murfreesboro City Council voted to reject the proposed settlement agreement with BFI Waste Systems and Republic Services (“Republic/BFI”) related to the environmental impact of Middle Point Landfill.
Republic/BFI has not demonstrated to the Council through the settlement that it could reliably control the air and water pollution from the landfill, and considering its history, that Republic/BFI would follow through on its promises.
Rejecting this settlement will allow the City to pursue a just remedy for its citizens in a court of law. The City stands willing to fight to stop the harm that this landfill has caused, and continues to cause, our community.
The proposed settlement with Republic/BFI would have only applied to the landfill’s impact on air and water quality, not Republic/BFI’s desire to expand. In a separate vote, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing any expansion of landfill capacity, either horizontally onto the closed Rutherford County landfill property or vertically, increasing the height to lengthen its lifetime.
This decision to reject the settlement reflects the City's unwavering commitment to its citizens and the environment. Though the proposed settlement contains the most favorable terms that Republic/BFI would agree to, the Council believes that these did not go far enough to protect citizens' air and water. The City believes the best way to safeguard residents' lives and property is to present the case to a jury.
