Public Ownership of Solid Waste Facilities

Counties have several options through which they may fulfill their responsibilities for solid waste management. They may contract with private entities for those services, they may provide services or contract for services through solid waste authorities, or they may provide the services themselves.  A county or municipality may apply for a solid waste facility permit. A county may execute a contract of obligation instead of a performance bond to insure proper operation and closure of its publicly owned facilities.  T.C.A. § 68-211-116.  In addition to equipment for collection and disposal of solid waste, a county may also construct and operate energy recovery and resource recovery facilities which process waste into energy fuels. T.C.A. § 68-211-502.