Two major landfill operators are working through ongoing lawsuits alleging environmental and nuisance issues at landfills in Tennessee and Arkansas.
Meanwhile, landfill expansion plans in Virginia got the green light to move forward after local approvals, while officials in Minnesota are also considering a proposed expansion. Permit denials in Oregon and Pennsylvania have blocked other expansion plans.
Here’s a look at recent landfill news from around the U.S.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, continues opposition to Middle Point Landfill
The future of Republic Services' Middle Point Landfill in Tennessee is in question after a series of moves made by local officials. The Murfreesboro City Council voted to annex the landfill property within its city limits on July 17, subjecting the landfill to new requirements around air quality and groundwater, WSMV reported.
The city and landfill owner have also been embroiled in a lawsuit over the landfill's environmental impact. In July, Republic Services came to the city with a proposed settlement agreement that would ensure a list of changes were made to tighten pollution control measures at the landfill.
The company offered to construct a new granular activated carbon treatment system to reduce PFAS levels in the landfill's stormwater discharge and explore a more comprehensive pretreatment system if needed for the family of chemicals. Republic Services also offered to more closely coordinate with the city in monitoring its landfill gas — Middle Point Landfill already has a gas collection and control system in place.
Other details of the settlement agreement include Republic’s offer to reimburse $500,000 of the city’s expenses for surface water and groundwater sampling and for development of its gas and odor plan. Republic also suggested reimbursing the city up to $50,000 per year for other associated oversight costs, as well as $40,000 for two years to cover surface and drinking water sampling.
Murfreesboro City Council also voted in July to oppose any expansion of the landfill. In a press release, Murfreesboro officials indicated their desire to see the court case brought against Republic Services go to a jury.
"Rejecting this settlement will allow the City to pursue a just remedy for its citizens in a court of law. The City stands willing to fight to stop the harm that this landfill has caused, and continues to cause, our community," the city said in the release.
WM appeals Eco-Vista odor nuisance lawsuit in Arkansas
WM of Arkansas has filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit regarding odor complaints at its Eco-Vista Landfill in Tontitown, Arkansas. Residents first filed the lawsuit in April, alleging that the landfill has harmed quality of life and property values with “noxious odors.” They also allege the site’s RNG plant does not have adequate air filtration and emits toxic gases.
The 609-acre Eco-Vista site includes a 147-acre landfill for municipal solid waste, a 60-acre landfill for construction and demolition debris, and a “gas-to-energy facility,” according to court documents. It’s northwest Arkansas’ only licensed landfill, according to Arkansas Business. WM purchased the landfill in 2000.
The lawsuit also alleges that air testing done by the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality shows the landfill is the originator of toxic pollution including benzene. DEQ has since conducted additional air testing and announced on May 30 that it plans to release results within 90 days.
Allegations that the odors are caused by improper landfill design, operations or maintenance are “speculative,” WM said in court documents. WM also argues that the statute of limitations has expired for the nuisance complaint, saying the plaintiffs only raised concerns over odors in February 2025, while the landfill has been in operation for about 45 years.
The lawsuit comes as the city of Tontitown is quickly growing, raising concerns over higher volumes of waste entering the landfill, Arkansas Business reported.
Eco-Vista faces a separate lawsuit from Tontitown officials and its mayor, Angela Russell, who have appealed the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality’s 2024 decision to issue a new permit for Eco-Vista. That case is ongoing.
Permitting, expansion and lawsuit news
- The Cumberland County Board of Supervisors in Virginia has approved a conditional use permit for GFL Environmental’s proposed 1,200-acre Green Ridge landfill project. The landfill, first proposed in 2017, has faced ongoing concerns and protests from residents who say the landfill would affect groundwater wells and harm Black historic and cultural sites. (Cardinal News)
- Officials in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, are considering a proposed 48.3-acre expansion of its MSW landfill, which is expected to extend the site's life by about 15 years. Construction could begin in 2027. The county is also planning the installation of a landfill gas collection system. (Lakeland PBS)
- The planning commission in Benton County, Oregon, voted unanimously to deny a permit for Republic Services’ Coffin Butte Landfill. This is the company’s second attempt at an expansion of the landfill, after a previous attempt also encountered opposition. Republic Services has appealed the decision. The Board of Commissioners expects to set a public hearing for “late October.” (KEZI)
- Tri-County Industries will not be able to reopen and operate a MSW landfill in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. The company had previously obtained a permit to run a landfill on the site of a transfer station it had operated since 1990, but the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania said the site was too close to an airport and violated a state setback requirement. (WKBN)
