MURFREESBORO, TN - Murfreesboro city leaders voted this past Thursday night to annex the Middle Point Landfill, giving the city full authority over its operations through ordinances and rules that must be followed by the landfill operators. Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland stated… In a unanimous 6-0 vote, the City Council approved the move after hearing strong support from the public.
Residents stated their name and address before voicing their concerns and stating that they support the annexation. Here is a small sample of what was heard…
With annexation, the landfill will be required to follow city regulations, including property upkeep, stormwater management, and even fire inspections. Many residents who spoke during the public comment period said the annexation was long overdue… Residents expressed serious concerns about the landfill’s environmental impact and what they viewed as a lack of accountability.
City officials said the decision ensures the landfill is held to the same standards as any other industrial operation within city limits.
MORE from the City on the Meeting (July 17, 2025): Commenting on the Council’s decision, Mayor Shane McFarland stated, ”The City Council has been diligent making sure resident's concerns and complaints are heard regarding the landfill. The city has numerous industrial operations in our limits that adhere to our ordinances and guidelines. This annexation allows the Council and City staff to have the authority to make sure Middle Point operates within those guidelines just like all our existing industrial operations.”
The move was approved by a 6-0 vote. As Murfreesboro has grown, the area around the landfill has become more densely populated. Homes and businesses within the city limits now sit less than half a mile away from Middle Point’s operations. Many of the recreational areas operated by the City are located directly across the river from the landfill.
As such, the City sees the need to be able to exercise some municipal oversight of the landfill due to its potential impact on the health and quality of life of its citizens. The area will now be subject to city codes involving property maintenance, stormwater management, fire inspections and other public safety provisions. Any improvements at the site will need to comply with applicable zoning, stormwater, floodplain, building codes and related City ordinances. In short, the landfill will now be subject to the same regulations as any other industrial operation within the city limits.
The annexation will not allow the City to prohibit the landfill from operating as permitted by the State of Tennessee. Likewise, the annexation in no way advances, supports, promotes or facilitates any expansion of Middle Point Landfill.
