McMinn County Landfill, Athens TN: Info & Updates You Need

02 May, 2025

Is the Mcminn County Landfill in Athens, TN, just a place to dump trash, or is it a vital component of the community's environmental health? The truth is, it's both, and understanding its multifaceted role is key to appreciating its significance.

Nestled at 391 County Road 750, Athens, TN 37303, the Mcminn County Landfill is more than just a final resting place for our waste; it's a complex operation with a long history. Open from Monday to Saturday, the landfill manages a significant volume of materials, shaping the local landscape and affecting the daily lives of residents and businesses alike. It serves as a crucial link in the chain of waste management, accepting municipal solid waste, household kitchen garbage, and various other materials from the community. However, it's important to note that the landfill has restrictions, specifically prohibiting liquids, asbestos, and medical wastes. These stipulations are in place to ensure the safety of both the environment and the workers who manage the facility.

Let's delve deeper into the heart of the Mcminn County Landfill, and consider the legacy of one of its dedicated employees:

Full Name	Darrell Lee Crisp
Age at Death	63
Date of Birth	(Information Not Provided)
Date of Death	March 27, 2024
Place of Death	Parkwest Medical Center
Hometown	Athens, TN
Residency	Lifelong Resident of Mcminn County
Previous Occupation	Heavy Machine Operator at Mcminn County Landfill
Employer	Mcminn County Landfill
Notable Achievements	Retiree from Mcminn County Landfill
Family	(Information Not Provided - Parents: Paul and Ruby Mae Redmon Crisp)
Reference Website	Find a Grave

The Mcminn County Landfill's operational hours are carefully structured. Although the specifics of opening and closing times require additional investigation for complete accuracy, its schedule accommodates the needs of the community, with provisions for household waste disposal and recycling. Saturday mornings are particularly active, highlighting the necessity for efficient management and the commitment of the staff to keep things running smoothly. While demolition services close earlier, the landfill remains open for household kitchen garbage and recycling, offering residents flexibility in their disposal routines. This flexibility is further enhanced by the suggestion that individuals can beat the lines by arriving after 1 pm, providing a convenient service to the community.

The Mcminn County Landfill's impact on Athens, TN, extends far beyond the practicalities of waste disposal. The facilitys operations and practices are crucial for environmental sustainability, and the facility must adhere to stringent regulations to protect the local environment. The revenues used to maintain the landfill comes from a combination of tipping fees paid by the users, and tax dollars from the countys general fund. As the county manages the landfill, it is necessary for the ongoing operation and sustainability. In the fiscal year starting July 1, 2000, the financial commitment from the general fund totaled $277,438.00. This illustrates the community's investment in managing waste and ensuring responsible environmental practices.

Beyond the everyday operations, the Mcminn County Landfill plays a pivotal role in the broader waste management landscape. While not the only facility of its kind, the Mcminn County Landfill is one of the oldest active landfill in the state, as well as being the third permitted landfill, it is positioned strategically to help manage the waste for the residents of Athens and the surrounding areas. Its presence ensures that waste is managed in a responsible manner, reducing the potential for environmental harm and helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

The Mcminn County Landfill isn't isolated in its mission. It's part of a larger waste management network that also includes the Meadow Branch Landfill, located at 233 County Road 166 (Mine Road), Athens, TN 37303. Meadow Branch operates as a modern municipal solid waste disposal facility, with permission from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). This facility serves as an integrated solid waste services company providing a full scope of collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling services. These facilities are vital to managing the waste produced in the U.S. with a focus on the secondary markets. The coordination between facilities contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management within the region, helping to keep the environment and surrounding communities safe.

The decision-making that guides the Mcminn County Landfill's operations isn't solely in the hands of landfill staff. The Board of Commissioners plays a crucial role in ensuring that the facility has the resources it needs to properly function. For instance, the Board of Commissioners considered a request from the Mcminn County Landfill supervisor, Charlie Donaldson, to purchase crushed stone. This request, for the period between May 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019, highlights the ongoing need for maintenance and upgrades at the landfill. And after careful consideration, the board went on to extend the bid for 12 months, at a price of $.0489 per gallon, indicating the ongoing commitment to provide the necessary resources to the facility.

The Mcminn County Landfill is also the workplace and employer of the dedicated employees that keep the landfill running properly. Darrell Lee Crisp, a long-time resident of Mcminn County, was a heavy machine operator at the landfill. His passing in March of 2024 is a somber reminder of the people behind the scenes, and how important the employees are. He spent his career contributing to the everyday operations, ensuring that waste was managed efficiently and safely, and that the landfill ran properly. His contributions, and those of many others, have shaped the community and the impact of the county's commitment to its citizens.

The significance of landfills extends beyond waste disposal. Landfills are at the heart of waste management for households, businesses, and industries. They provide a safe place for waste that cannot be recycled, reused, or composted. The efficient operation of landfills, the regulations in place, and the people who work there help to minimize environmental impacts and maintain the health and well-being of the local communities. These facilities are an essential link in the comprehensive process of waste management, highlighting the intricate relationship between the community and environmental practices.

Its worth remembering that the Mcminn County Landfill isn't standing still. While there are no immediate plans for major expansions, county officials are actively involved in discussions about its future. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates a commitment to long-term planning, and is a response to the growing needs of the local residents and the need to responsibly address the challenges of waste management. As the community grows, the landfill's role is constantly evolving, and county officials continue to assess ways to make the facility last longer and continue to serve the community's needs.

In summary, the Mcminn County Landfill is more than just a collection of waste; it is a vital facet of the community. Its impact is seen through its acceptance of a wide range of waste, its role in environmental stewardship, its contribution to local employment, and its commitment to responsible waste management. It is a place of work, a place of resources, and a place where the community's waste is processed, while protecting the health of those who live in the county. As the community continues to grow, the landfill's ability to function will continue to be of paramount importance. The Mcminn County Landfill ensures the responsible management of the countys waste, contributing to the overall sustainability of Athens, TN, and the surrounding area.

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A year later, McMinn County working to eliminate odor of Athens

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