Trousdale County resets dumpster fee to $63 after solid‑waste director warns increase would burden residents

The Trousdale County trustees voted to lower the county dumpster fee to $63 after a discussion about recent landfill costs and resident complaints.

Public works director Cliff told the board the county signed a five‑year contract with Smith County Landfill at $55 per ton—higher than the $50 per ton the department had expected—and that an additional 15% increase being considered would push some residents into a financially burdensome range. “And, it's just a burden on these people,” Cliff said, arguing the board should hold the fee at roughly $63 per dump rather than accept the larger increase.

The vote followed a presentation from Cliff on operational detail: typical dumpsters often carry a few hundred pounds rather than full truckloads, the fleet hauls about 10 tons a day, and the department logs 20–30 dump trips per day. He said the county previously priced a dump at about $63.19 in projections, which covered payments and equipment purchases; a later proposed hike would have increased that figure substantially.

Commissioner Mark Presley moved to lower the fee to $63 and Lonnie Taylor seconded. The board approved the change by voice vote; the chair declared the motion carried.

The board also reviewed landfill maintenance issues and state inspection obligations for closed sites. Cliff said staff found significant ice damage at two landfills near the Macon County line and that inspectors will continue to monitor closed facilities.

What this means: The fee rollback is intended to reduce immediate cost pressure on residents while the county monitors landfill contract impacts and incremental increases. Cliff signaled the department may propose modest, staged increases in the future tied to landfill price changes, rather than a single large jump.

Next steps: The public‑works director will continue to monitor landfill costs and report back to the trustees if additional adjustments or budget requests are needed.