RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — An economic impact study by Middle Tennessee State University’s Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) found closing Middle Point Landfill would have a “significant cost impact” on Rutherford County residents, businesses and industries.
The study, made possible through the Jones College of Business’ BERC, found the landfill has contributed $15,615,558 in personal income through direct, indirect and induced impact. Overall, the study found the landfill has created 226 jobs.
“Our research shows that Middle Point Landfill plays a significant role in Rutherford County’s economy,” BERC director Dr. Murat Arik said in a Thursday press release. “It supports local jobs, brings in millions in business revenue, and helps keep costs down for residents and businesses. As Middle Tennessee looks at future waste management options, it’s important to consider the economic impact alongside other factors.”
Additionally, the study found the total business revenue impact of Middle Point Landfill’s current operations is estimated at $49,747,483. That impact “would disappear” if Middle Point Landfill closed, the study added. The City of Murfreesboro could incur up to $6.8 million in disposal cost burdens while Rutherford County could incur up to $3.1 million in disposal costs.
The study also broke it down, finding Murfreesboro city residents would see a $116.60 increase per household per year and Rutherford County residents could see a $46.30 increase per household per year.
As of publication, the landfill takes on 3,700 tons of waste daily, according to their website. Middle Point Landfill supports thousands of customers, including nearly 1,500 Rutherford County businesses, 346 industrial customers and nearly 1,200 commercial customers. If the landfill closes, the study said it would cost:
- $1.4 million for commercial customers
- $867,000 in construction costs
- $558,000 in manufacturing costs
During a January press conference, both the mayors of Rutherford County and Murfreesboro focused on the future of the landfill. At that press conference, officials said the landfill would reach capacity within the next four years. Leaders proposed a “study group” comprised of elected officials to address Rutherford County’s long-term waste needs.
Last week, Middle Point Landfill leaders proposed a plan they argue would keep the landfill operational for decades. Part of that plan included capping out-of-county commercial waste and no longer taking on Davidson County’s residential waste. Part of the plan also included taking over the old county landfill and connecting the properties.
“I am fully committed to using every resource I have available to me to ensure that when Middle Point is closed, Rutherford County will be out of the business of being Nashville’s trash can,” Rutherford County mayor Joe Carr said in his Feb. 11 State of the County address. “However, if the county commission determines that they need to change their mind and decides to allow Middle Point to expand, it will result in a super mega trash site that will be in operation for the next 50 years.”
Carr added in his address that anyone with concerns about the proposed expansion, or anyone who would like more information, should contact his office or their county commissioner.
Should the landfill be expanded, 242 jobs would be created within Rutherford County, producing $16,499,179 in personal income, according to the BERC study. Overall, total business revenue would be $52,681,244.
News 2 has reached out to Rutherford County officials for comment on the study’s findings, but as of publication, there has been no response.
