MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr is applauding a significant legal victory following a Davidson County Chancery Court ruling that stops the state from processing a vertical expansion for the Middle Point Landfill. The decision specifically bars the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) from moving forward with Republic Services’ request to increase the site’s height.
Following the announcement of the court’s order by the City of Murfreesboro, Mayor Carr released a statement commending City Mayor Shane McFarland and the Murfreesboro City Council for their persistence. Carr highlighted the "courage and leadership" displayed by city officials, noting that their shared priority has always been the protection of local residents' health and well-being.
"Rutherford County is both grateful and not surprised at the court issuing an order halting TDEC," Carr stated. He reaffirmed that the county remains "adamantly opposed" to any growth at the facility and expressed confidence that local leaders will continue to prevail by sticking to the facts of the case.
The two mayors have maintained a unified front against the landfill for years, including a joint press conference in early 2025 where they first formalized their combined opposition. Since that time, Carr has focused on the county’s long-term solid waste strategy, which included the launch of the Rutherford County Transfer Station in July 2025. According to the Mayor, these steps are vital to achieving waste independence and moving away from reliance on Middle Point.
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