(MURFREESBORO)  With Murfreesboro's new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, the Murfreesboro City Council voted Thursday, May 18, 2023, to support continued adjustments in the Solid Waste Fee Structure toward a self-supporting utility operation.

The increase in residential and commercial Solid Waste collection service will generate an additional $1.44 million to City revenues, totally $6.7 million and covering over 60 percent of the Solid Waste Department’s $10.5 million in the proposed budgeted FY24 expenses.

Garbage Pickup Increases for Residential and Business

Garbage pickup fees for Murfreesboro residents will jump $2.00 monthly to $9.50 starting July 1st.  Rates for business customers will go up $5.00 monthly to a new total of $35.

If you have this service at a business, commercial service from the City is proposed to increase $5.00 from the current $30 fee to $35 per month for bi-weekly pickup for customers outside the City Core Overlay starting with Fiscal Year 24. Commercial carts inside the City Core Overlay will remain at $30 per month for bi-weekly pickup.

Fee Increase Will Be In "Water" Statement

The City's garbage pickup fee increase will be included on your water bill. Because of their home or business locations, some residents get their water from Murfreesboro Water and Sewer, while others are served by Consolidated Utility District. Whichever water service you use, the increased waste pickup fee will be included in that July 1, 2023 statement.

Moving Toward Not Having FREE Landfill Use

On May 10, 2023, the City Council reviewed a 10-year Solid Waste Plan Update including the continued strategy to move Solid Waste toward a self-supporting utility in anticipation of the closing of Middle Point Landfill.

During the interim, the City’s General Fund will continue to support this service.