RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN – The debate over the future of waste management in Rutherford County has intensified, with Commissioner Craig Harris and Mayor Joe Carr taking public positions on the issue of landfill expansion and the county’s new transfer station.

Commissioner Harris released a statement clarifying his stance on the Republic Services-owned Middle Point Landfill... Harris also told WGNS News...

Harris also addressed criticism that remarks he made months earlier were misinterpreted as support forlandfill related expansion...

In his statement, Harris also criticized Mayor Carr, accusing him of making “false” claims... He further argued that the mayor “has failed to bring fresh, forward-thinking ideas to the table” on key issues...

The County Commissioner added...

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mayor Joe Carr has also spoken out on the county’s waste management plan. Most recently, Carr hightlighted how the newly opened Rutherford County Transfer Station has been a success. Earlier this month, Carr said on Facebook: “To Republic Services and those on the County Commission who wanted to negotiate with Republic Services to expand the Middle Point Landfill and who said we had no plan, that our business plan would not work and who said we would have to raise property taxes; you were wrong. The successful open of the Rutherford County Transfer Station will now give us the leverage to expand our recycling program. We will move forward.”

The county reported that in July, its first month of operations, the transfer station processed 7,965 tons of solid waste, generating $653,797 in tipping fees and producing $66,616 in proceeds for the Solid Waste Department.

Rutherford County Commissioner Harris said in closing...

It appears that issues and debates will continue to surround the Middle Point Landfill as Rutherford County grows and waste generation increases. For now, the topic of waste management remains central not only for county commissioners, but also for homeowners and businesses. The ongoing discussion may also shape the county’s political landscape in the months ahead.

WGNS will continue to follow what appears to be an ongoing debate between Commissioner Harris and Mayor Carr.