Refuse Collection and Disposal

Counties are authorized to provide solid waste collection and disposal services on a countywide basis. A county may provide these services directly through a county agency or by contract with a municipality, utility district, service district, private organization, or any combination thereof. Counties also may cooperate with other counties and municipalities in providing solid waste services. T.C.A. §§ 5-19-101–116.

When a county provides solid waste collection and disposal services, service districts may be established to finance those services. The costs may be funded through property taxes levied within the service district, user charges, or a combination of both. A countywide property tax may be levied only if all residents of the county receive substantially equal service. A countywide tax may not be imposed for services already provided by a municipality or special district unless the statutory requirements are satisfied. T.C.A. §§ 5-19-101–116.

Under the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991, counties are responsible for ensuring that residents have access to an adequate system for the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste. The specific methods used to provide these services, including the use of convenience centers or other collection systems, are governed by state law and the county's approved regional solid waste plan. T.C.A. § 68-211-851.