Trash is piling up across Middle Tennessee, and the region is quickly running out of space to put it. With five major Class I landfills expected to reach capacity in less than a decade, the area faces a mounting waste crisis. The problem is compounded by explosive population growth, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of coordinated regional planning. As state and local governments scramble to catch up, private companies like Rescue Disposal are stepping in to offer efficient, community-first alternatives.
A Trash Ticking Time Bomb
Rutherford County’s Middle Point Landfill, built in 1989, is the largest dumping site in the region and takes in over one million tons of waste per year — much of it from Nashville. It’s almost full. Projections show it could max out within five years. And Middle Point isn’t alone — four other major landfills in Middle Tennessee face a similar fate.
According to a report from the Greater Nashville Regional Council, the region’s five Class I landfills have a combined lifespan of less than 10 years. Meanwhile, the area’s population is expected to grow by nearly 40%, to over 3.1 million people, by 2045. Waste output is expected to increase by 41% during the same time. That means more trash, fewer places to put it, and significantly higher disposal costs for taxpayers.
Why Local Solutions Like Rescue Disposal Matter
Government-led waste solutions are bogged down in bureaucracy, red tape, and opposition from local residents who don’t want landfills in their communities. As city and county leaders argue over permits, expansion plans, and costly infrastructure investments, the trash keeps coming. This is where local, nimble providers like Rescue Disposal can play a vital role.
Rescue Disposal is not just a garbage company — it’s a neighbor-focused service provider built on reliability, transparency, and convenience. Based in Murfreesboro, Rescue Disposal offers weekly trash pickup directly from your back door. No guessing when the truck will come. Just dependable service that works — every week, rain or shine.
With flat monthly rates and no hidden fees, Rescue Disposal is helping families and neighborhoods stay clean and avoid contributing to landfill overflow. And unlike large, out-of-state contractors, Rescue Disposal reinvests in the Middle Tennessee community and builds services tailored to local needs.
The Bigger Picture: Tennessee’s Recycling Problem
Part of Middle Tennessee’s waste crisis stems from its poor recycling habits. Tennessee consistently ranks among the bottom states for recycling, alongside Louisiana and Mississippi. A 2018 report showed that Tennesseans generate about 6.56 pounds of waste per person each day — over 30% more than the national average.
In 2022, Davidson County alone produced more than 1.1 million tons of trash — a sharp increase from 2018. Over half of that waste is made up of paper, food, and yard waste that could be composted or recycled. But due to limited curbside recycling options and low public awareness, most of it ends up in landfills.
Rescue Disposal recognizes the importance of sustainability and responsible waste diversion. While municipalities struggle to meet their own “zero waste” goals, Rescue Disposal is exploring practical, scalable ways to integrate recycling and composting services into its offerings. The goal? Help reduce the region’s dependence on landfills without making it harder for customers to manage their household waste.
Broken Systems and Growing Costs
The city of Nashville created a new Waste Services Department and appointed its first director in 2023. While this is a step in the right direction, the city has a long way to go. Its 2019 Zero Waste Plan aimed to divert 90% of landfill-bound trash — but only 16% was diverted last year, with just 12% coming from recycling.
Red River Waste Solutions, a previous trash contractor for the city, filed for bankruptcy in 2021, resulting in missed pickups, curbside recycling pauses, and resident frustration. These issues are becoming more common as large waste haulers struggle to keep up with demand.
By contrast, Rescue Disposal offers a streamlined and reliable service without the risk of corporate breakdowns or bankruptcy delays. Their team focuses on quality over quantity, providing exceptional service to homes throughout Murfreesboro and surrounding communities like Smyrna, La Vergne, and beyond.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Action
Leaders are beginning to acknowledge the need for regional cooperation and better waste reduction laws. The Tennessee Waste Reduction and Recycling Act, proposed in the General Assembly, would require businesses to reduce harmful packaging materials. Locally, Metro Nashville is also considering ordinances to require construction companies to cut back on demolition waste.
But legislation is slow to pass, and local governments are still figuring out how to enforce and fund such changes. In the meantime, the people of Middle Tennessee need real solutions now — and that’s where Rescue Disposal shines.
As a private company rooted in the community, Rescue Disposal can respond quickly, scale responsibly, and offer meaningful services that don’t rely on government funding or sluggish approval processes. Their mission is simple: keep homes clean, support the environment, and make trash pickup stress-free.
Join your neighbors in choosing a smarter way to manage waste. Sign up today at rescuedisposal.com.
