As Rutherford County officials and residents begin serious talks about the county’s long-term solid waste disposal needs, there should be voices from many sides and many opinions. And, certainly everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. But opinions are just that, opinions. They should not be confused with facts.

Regarding the March 14 opinion piece by Tess2019, there are many misunderstandings of the current solid waste operation and some absolute falsehoods. Propagating falsehoods will not advance the quality and substance of the very important discussions and decisions that lie before the community. 

First: Local officials have visited several waste operations, including a facility operated by Republic. We were pleased to show them the kinds of options they can and should be considering. Rutherford County government paid for their travel and lodging ($758 per person for flight and lodging for six, and meal compensation requests may be added, County Finance Director Lisa Nolen told Scott Broden). And, at least in one case, an individual made the trip at her own expense.

Second: Republic owns the property at Middle Point. The contract with Rutherford County and Murfreesboro is for waste disposal and dates back to the mid-1990s. Not only do Rutherford County and Murfreesboro residents get free disposal, but the county also derives income from Republic from a host fee charged to other counties for their disposal.

Third: The landfill is expected to close sometime in the next 8 to 9 years. Several important things will happen at that time. Rutherford County and Murfreesboro residents will begin paying disposal fees at market rates to some provider. That’s going to be a shock for a community that has been protected from such fees for nearly 25 years. Once closed, the site is required by state law to be maintained as a closed facility for at least 30 years. In other words, the landfill will be closed, but it will still be there and Republic will still be responsible for maintaining it and will remain a member of the community employing Rutherford County residents via our entire business operation.

Fourth: Tess2019 suggests that it is up to the landfill provider to offer alternative forms of solid waste disposal. This reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the local contracting process. The decision to provide diversion alternatives like recycling or composting is the responsibility of local government, who in turn, relies on the willingness of residents to pay for those services. For example, curbside recycling has been offered across the country for years but Republic cannot nor could not have forced residents to recycle or compost without accompanying government policies that support such activities.

The bottom line is this: This public discussion about what to do with solid waste is timely and appropriate. It should be an open and candid discussion that welcomes diverse voices and ideas. Residents need to understand the various options, the costs and how their own habits will have to change to accommodate new programs. When it comes to spending taxpayer’s money, facts are important.

We have offered our expertise as an industry leader to the county – this is what a community partner should do. And as an employer and taxpayer in Rutherford County, we have an equal voice in the community’s future.

We are committed to being a community partner throughout this journey, and look forward to a fruitful and fact-based conversation that will ultimately lead to a brighter future for all in Middle Tennessee.

Brad Kiesling
Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Republic Services

Note: In the original version of the column,Kiesling mistakenly attributed the financing of the trip to the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. He has subsequently learned local governments made their own travel arrangements for the tour.