Murfreesboro TN - Rutherford County marked a significant step in its journey toward solid waste management independence on Tuesday (6/17/2025) with the official ribbon-cutting and christening of the tipping floor at the newly completed Rutherford County Solid Waste Transfer Station.

The 12,500-square-foot facility at 6000 Landfill Road was completed in just under two-years and delivered under budget. The facility is now poised to manage up to 2,000 tons of solid waste per day, enough to handle the entirety of the county’s current waste stream.

County Mayor Joe Carr noted, “This facility not only meets our current needs but also our future needs. The intent of this facility is not to bury trash. Plan A—and always—will be to divert it from landfills through composting, recycling, and leveraging emerging waste-to-value technologies.”

Kelli Beam, IOM, Vice President of Membership Development for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, emceed the ceremony, which included remarks from elected officials, state and federal representatives, community stakeholders, and public sector leaders.

County Commissioner Steve Pearcy, who represents District 2—home to the facility—hailed the occasion as a pivotal moment after decades of limited waste solutions. “Today is the turning point,” he said. “After 30 years, we are righting a wrong and protecting our community and resources.”

The tipping floor was christened in traditional industry fashion, with the first load of solid waste ceremoniously dumped amid applause from attendees. The tipping floor serves as the heart of the transfer station, where waste is temporarily held before being loaded onto long-haul trucks for disposal or processing.

Solid Waste Director Bishop Wagener called the day a milestone born of cross-sector collaboration and a springboard for sustainable waste practices. “Our community has the responsibility to search for innovative ways to increase recycling and reduce landfill dependency.”

Mayor Carr expressed gratitude to the design and construction teams, including Boyce Ballard, KSA (Kline Sweeney and Associates), and Hawkins & Price, among others. He also acknowledged the integral efforts of multiple county departments ranging from Fire and Rescue to Planning and Engineering.

Road Superintendent Greg Brooks and his department were recognized for roadway improvements to Landfill Road, achieving cost savings of up to $7 million. WM Area Vice President Eddie McManus, a veteran of the waste industry, praised the facility as unparalleled in his three decades of experience.

As the solid waste landscape continues to evolve, Rutherford County’s new transfer station stands as a model for innovation, resilience, and long-term environmental stewardship.