Rutherford County, TN--Rutherford County Solid Waste Department announced Thursday, April 2 that bulk items will be limited to one item per household. The department has also stopped accepting building materials until further notice.
These changes are the result of an increase in bulk items being taken to the centers since various "safer at home" orders have gone into effect.
"With the COVID-19 event and orders urging citizens to stay home, we have been receiving a larger than normal number of bulk items and building materials at our centers," said Solid Waste Director Mac Nolen.
Nolen went on to say, "On Wednesday of this week, Rutherford County residents generated 101 loads of trash and recyclables, most of which were bulk items." Nolen said that is around three times the normal amount generated on Wednesdays.
Nolen suspects that several residents are likely doing spring cleaning and home improvement projects while ordered to stay at home. "Bulk items are considered to be anything other than what would fit inside a normal, kitchen-sized trash can," he said.
Other bulk items include, but are not limited to sofas, chairs, and tables.
"As this event evolves, it's possible that we will have to make other changes," commented Nolen. "We might have to close on Sundays or limit bagged trash loads or recyclable loads."
For now, all Rutherford County Convenience and Recycling Centers remain open during regular business hours.
Nolen asks that all residents that come to the centers maintain social distancing practices. "Please keep at least six feet in between you and others utilizing the center, as well as our workers."
"Our staff members realize that this is a frustrating time for everyone. It's an unprecedented health situation that has many consequences that reach beyond the immediate health concerns. The department is doing what we can to continue this vital and essential service for the citizens of Rutherford County, but it will only work if our residents work with us."
Any future changes will be updated through the department's official website and Facebook pages. Residents can access this information on Rutherford County Solid Waste Department's website at http://solidwaste.
