On May 3, 2025, the Urban Type Public Facilities Board of Wilson County, Tennessee, convened to address pressing issues related to solid waste management and landfill operations. The meeting highlighted significant challenges faced by the county's waste management system, particularly concerning the operations with Rockwood Wood, a key partner in waste processing.

The board began by approving the minutes from the previous meeting before moving on to the solid waste report presented by city officials. The report revealed that landfill activity had generated over $57,000 in April, contributing to a year-to-date revenue increase of $423,000. However, the board faced troubling news regarding Rockwood Wood, which has had to suspend operations due to issues with monitoring wells. These wells have shown concerning results, likely linked to the processing of gypsum, wood, and drywall materials. The board is now awaiting guidance from state authorities on how to proceed, with the expectation that they may enter a phase of assessment monitoring.

The implications of these developments are significant. The suspension of operations with Rockwood means a potential drop in revenue, as the county will need to revert to using open-top containers for waste disposal, which is less efficient and more costly. The board is proactively addressing the situation by conducting additional tests on the monitoring wells to determine the extent of the contamination and to develop a plan for remediation.

In addition to the Rockwood situation, the board discussed the increasing pressure from neighboring counties, such as Rutherford, Sumner, and Davidson, which are sending large amounts of bulky waste, including couches and mattresses, to Wilson County's facilities. This influx has strained local resources, prompting discussions about potentially lowering the limits on what can be accepted at convenience centers to manage the volume more effectively.

The meeting concluded with reflections on the county's solid waste management capabilities, with board members expressing gratitude for the local landfill's ability to handle waste without relying on external contractors. This self-sufficiency is viewed as a significant asset, especially in light of the challenges faced by other counties.

As the board moves forward, it will need to navigate the complexities of waste management while ensuring compliance with state regulations and maintaining the efficiency of local operations. The anticipated next steps include further testing of the monitoring wells and discussions on how to manage the increasing waste from neighboring jurisdictions.