Minute with the Mayor

Question:

Why did the city stop the collection of the homeowners’ brush?

Answer:

The simple truth is that the City of Sparta currently has no place to dispose of collected brush. Previously, when the White County landfill was operated by the county, the city had an agreement allowing the disposal of household trash and brush there. However, when the landfill was sold to Waste Management, the city’s access for trash, brush, and water sludge disposal was cut off during the transition.

Currently, we are transporting household trash to one county and water treatment sludge to another. As for brush, we had been burning it as it was collected. Unfortunately, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has since informed us that burning collected brush is no longer permitted.

Please know that the city is actively working to find a long-term solution and is in ongoing negotiations to resolve this issue and restore this service. Until a solution is in place, we are unable to pick up brush at this time.

That said, we will continue to pick up leaves from the roadside. Leaves are much easier to grind and dispose of properly.

We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our residents and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to address this challenge.

Be Safe, Finish Strong, God Bless.