Honestly, if you live in Middle Tennessee, you probably only think about the Resource Authority of Sumner Gallatin TN (often called RASCO) when your garage is overflowing or you’ve finally decided to rip up that old carpet. It’s that place on Rappahannock Wire Road where the trucks go. But there’s a lot more to it than just "the dump." In fact, calling it a dump is technically wrong—it’s a sophisticated transfer station and recycling hub that essentially keeps the gears of Gallatin and Hendersonville turning.
The Authority was born in 1979. It wasn't just some local ordinance; it took a Private Act of the Tennessee legislature to make it happen. Why? Because the region was growing fast and the old way of just burying trash in a hole wasn't going to cut it anymore.
The 2024 Fire and Why Things Feel Different Right Now
If you've swung by lately and noticed things feel a bit... cramped or different, there's a huge reason for that. In April 2024, a massive fire gutted the main transfer station. It caused heavy damage. Like, "beyond repair" kind of damage.
Bill Brown, the Solid Waste Manager, and his team have basically been performing a daily miracle to keep the trash moving. They didn't just shut down and leave everyone with stinky driveways. Instead, they shifted operations. Right now, if you're a residential customer—basically a person in a pickup truck—you're limited to Fridays and Saturdays for disposal. Commercial trucks get the weekdays. It's a temporary headache, but they are currently building a brand-new facility at the same location. They're aiming to have that fully operational by mid-year 2026.
What You Can (and Absolutely Cannot) Bring to Rappahannock Wire Road
Most folks assume they can just toss anything in a trailer and the Resource Authority of Sumner Gallatin TN will take it. Not quite. While they handle a massive variety of waste, they have strict rules to keep the place safe and compliant with state laws.
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The "Yes" List:
- Household Trash: Your standard kitchen bags and basement clutter.
- Construction and Demolition (C&D): Think drywall, lumber, shingles, and insulation. Just be ready to pay a slightly different rate for these ($85/ton for C&D vs. $70/ton for standard MSW as of late 2025).
- Yard Waste: Brush and clean wood. They charge about $40/ton for this because it’s processed differently.
- Appliances: Stoves and washers are fine. If it has refrigerant (like a fridge or A/C unit), expect a $20–$30 fee for safe evacuation of the gasses.
- Mattresses: These are a flat $20 each.
The "Hard No" List:
- Hazardous Waste: No wet paint, no pool chemicals, and no pesticides. You have to wait for the specific Household Hazardous Waste events (usually held once or twice a year).
- Out-of-County Tires: This is a big one. They check. If you aren't from Sumner County, keep your tires.
- Scavenging: You can't go there to "shop." Once it's on the tipping floor, it belongs to the Authority.
Understanding the Money Side
Rates changed in July 2025. You’re looking at a $10 minimum for most loads. If you’ve got a massive trailer full of shingles, you’re looking at $100 per ton. They take cash and cards, but honestly, having your ID ready is the biggest tip. They need to know you’re actually a local resident to give you the right access.
The Secret History of Energy Recovery
A lot of the newer residents in Gallatin don't realize that this site used to be a pioneer in "waste-to-energy." Back in the 80s, the Authority operated a facility that burned municipal waste to create steam and electricity.
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It was a big deal. They sold steam to nearby industries and electricity to TVA. It eventually phased out as environmental regulations and economic factors changed, shifting the focus toward the "transfer station" model we see today. That history is why it’s called a "Resource Authority" and not just a "Trash Department." The original goal was to treat trash as a resource for power.
How to Not Get Banned (The Unspoken Rules)
Look, the folks working the scales and the tipping floor see thousands of people. They have a tough job. If you want to stay on their good side and get through quickly:
- Tarp your load. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a policy. If trash is flying out of your truck on the way there, they can fine you or turn you away.
- Wear shoes. Enclosed shoes. Don't show up in flip-flops. It’s a construction site, basically.
- Keep the kids in the car. The loaders move fast and they can’t see small children running around.
- No smoking. There are flammable gasses everywhere. Don't be that person.
The Board and Local Control
One thing that makes the Resource Authority of Sumner Gallatin TN unique is how it’s governed. It’s not just a city department. The board is made up of seven directors:
- 2 appointed by Gallatin.
- 2 appointed by Hendersonville.
- 3 appointed by the Sumner County Commission.
This means if you have a beef with how things are run, you actually have local representatives to talk to. Current leadership includes folks like Chairman Craig Hayes and Vice-Chairman Mary Genung. They meet regularly (usually the first Monday of the month) and these meetings are open to the public.
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Moving Toward 2026: What’s Next?
The "culture shift" is the big buzzword around the office lately. With the Middle Point Landfill in nearby Murfreesboro filling up, the entire region is sweating about where the trash will go in ten years.
RASCO is positioning itself to be a regional leader. The new transfer station being built right now isn't just a replacement; it's an upgrade. It’s designed to handle higher volumes and move trucks through faster. They are also looking at ways to streamline recycling.
Currently, the Recycle Convenience Center is free of charge for residents. You can drop off cardboard, tin, aluminum, and certain plastics. They want to expand this because every ton recycled is a ton they don't have to pay to haul to a distant landfill.
Actionable Steps for Residents
- Check the Calendar: Before you load up the truck on a Tuesday, remember that residential hours are currently restricted to Fridays and Saturdays due to the 2024 fire reconstruction.
- Separate Before You Go: Put your brush in one pile and your old couch in another. If you mix them, you might get charged the higher "MSW" rate for the whole load.
- Watch the Tires: If you have more than five tires, you need a manifest. If you have a few, it's $5 each.
- Stay Informed: Follow the Sumner County government site for the 2026 Hazardous Waste event dates. Those are the only days you can get rid of that old oil-based paint in the garage.
The Resource Authority is a vital, if unglamorous, part of the Sumner County infrastructure. As the new facility rises from the ashes of the 2024 fire, it’s clear that Gallatin’s approach to waste is moving toward a more efficient, high-capacity future. Keep your loads tarped and your shoes on, and you'll do just fine.