MURFREESBORO - Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr and Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland unveiled Thursday a joint plan for a long-term solid waste solution while firmly opposing the expansion of the privately owned Middle Point Landfill. The mayors shared their proposal during a press conference at Murfreesboro's airport terminal.

Under the proposed agreement, Rutherford and Murfreesboro governments would oversee solid waste management on county-owned land near Middle Point Landfill. This location includes two retired landfills and an advanced $20 million solid waste transfer station nearing completion. The plan focuses on minimizing landfill use, with Murfreesboro collaborating with WastAway to convert up to 70% of collected waste into biomass fuel.

Mayor Carr says for the health and safety of our community, there will be an aggressive campaign to divert solid waste from landfills:

Mayor McFarland highlighted the environmental hazards posed by Middle Point Landfill, such as air and water pollution and toxic leachate discharges into the East Fork of the Stones River.

You may recall Murfreesboro has filed a federal lawsuit against the landfill’s owners, alleging violations of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. McFarland calls on local leaders to not expand Middle Point Landfill:

The mayors' proposal aims to run a new county transfer station, explore landfill alternatives, and work with state and local officials to develop a waste strategy that prevents outside waste from being dumped in Rutherford County.

With Middle Point expected to reach full capacity within the next few years, officials emphasize the need for swift action to secure Rutherford County’s waste independence before its closure.

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