RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The Mayors of Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne, Eagleville and Rutherford County have sent a letter regarding solid waste to the Rutherford County Commission. The different mayors are advocating for the City of Murfreesboro's alternative waste disposal solution, which is a proposed Solid Waste Processing Site and biogas facility at 2120 Butler Drive. The address of the city's proposed site is basically behind and across the river from the Savannah Ridge and Indian Hills subdivisions.

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland stated... The mayor noted that Republic Services has also proposed a renewable natural gas facility on their property at the Middle Point Landfill in Walter Hill. In order for Murfreesboro to move forward with a biogas facility on their land, Rutherford County will have to approve the facility first. 

The City of Murfreesboro says their request for the county to approve their biogas facility on Butler Drive near the I-24 / Joe B. Jackson interchange, fits the Solid Waste Advisory Committee's Vision Document that was prepared by a county-wide coalition of members from Smyrna, LaVergne, Eagleville, Murfreesboro, and Rutherford County. The coalition's vision highlighted the need for a northern and southern transfer station to serve the future needs of Rutherford County in disposing of its trash once Middle Point Landfill closes.

With odor complaints in mind, because that has been one of the number one residential complaints about Middle Point Landfill, the City of Murfreesboro has not commented if their proposed facility on Butler Drive would or would not cause similar odor problems. But according to Community & Environmental Defense Services, “Odors from waste transfer stations can be reduced considerably if transfers and processing occurs entirely within an enclosed building with no open doors and good air filtration systems.” The organization is based in Maryland and has previously worked with clients that had waste issues in Middle Tennessee.

Mayor McFarland commented... It's also noted in the letter to commissioners, “We do not believe accepting over 70% outside trash is a viable option for our respective communities.” The letter also suggested, “...the proposed biogas facility has the potential to divert 90% of the trash it receives or 126,000 tons per year while producing fuels under the Federal Guidelines regulating renewable fuel standards.

The letter that was signed by area mayor's encourages Rutherford County Commissioners to support Murfreesboro in their alternative waste disposal efforts on Butler Drive. Read the letter HERE.