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Wilson County solid waste staff urges new rules as out‑of‑county users strain convenience centers
Summary
At the June 5 Wilson County Urban Type Facility Board meeting, solid waste presenter Cindy Lynch reported increased loads from out‑of‑county users, recommended new convenience‑center rules and discussed changing closing times; the board approved the landfill report and a request to haul 31 jump tires to Rockwood.
Wilson County solid waste staff told the Urban Type Facility Board on June 5 that out‑of‑county users and large contractor loads are increasing wear on convenience centers and driving a need for new rules and adjusted closing procedures.
The report, delivered by Cindy Lynch, noted May landfill revenue of $22,008 and said fiscal‑year‑to‑date revenue was $376,000 higher than the same period last year. Lynch told the board the county sent about 42 more tons to Smith County this past month and spent roughly $155 more on tipping fees in 2025 than in 2024. She also said recycling tonnage rose by about 57 tons while recycling revenue fell by about $761, and the county pulled 519 loads from convenience centers — an increase of 53 loads compared with the same time last year.
The figures matter because staff described frequent confrontations and operational strain at convenience centers from out‑of‑county residents and private haulers. "They're they're killing us," Lynch said, describing the volume and confrontations she says staff encounter. Lynch said she is drafting new regulations for the convenience centers and plans to bring proposed rules to the board in the next couple of months for input.
Board members discussed adjusting posted closing times to give staff time to secure facilities without forcing overtime. Mayor Mike Jennings asked whether posting an earlier closing time — for example 4:45 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. — would help staff lock gates and finish cleanup while staying on scheduled hours. Lynch said current practice is that last check‑ins are at 5:00 p.m., and staff sometimes begin shutting gates earlier to avoid overtime. Board members suggested posting a change in advance so residents see the new hours.
Lynch proposed a possible limit of one piece of furniture per visit to reduce large contractor loads; she said some visitors arrive with tall, trailer‑mounted loads and that contractors are contributing heavily to the volume. The board discussed signage, phased implementation and allowing cars already in line to enter when a new closure time starts.
The board voted by voice to approve Lynch's solid waste report. Separately, a motion to approve hauling 31 jump tires to Rockwood passed on voice vote after a brief question about the contractor and destination. No roll‑call vote totals were recorded in the meeting minutes.
Lynch also said she is seeking an extra county vehicle for landfill operations and noted the county is monitoring Rockwood site conditions before resuming broader activities there. She asked the board to expect a formal set of proposed convenience‑center rules in a future meeting.
The board did not adopt new regulations or change posted hours at the June 5 meeting; Lynch said she can implement an earlier closing time (such as July 1) if the board directs her to do so at a later meeting.
