The significant investment will fund the development of Phase 3, Cell 2 at the Franklin-based landfill, adding approximately 12.5 acres of newly lined space. This expansion is designed to prevent the county from facing the prohibitively expensive prospect of shipping its waste out of state to places like Georgia or South Carolina, a scenario that commissioners deemed financially unsustainable.
"This was an easy decision, even with the high price tag," commented one commissioner during the December 16 meeting, acknowledging the substantial cost but emphasizing the even greater expense of alternative waste disposal methods.
The project encompasses extensive engineering and construction, including the excavation and movement of roughly 350,000 cubic yards of soil. The new cell will feature a state-of-the-art composite liner system, a robust leachate collection system, a new pumping station, and essential upgrades to the existing leachate storage lagoon. McGill Associates, the engineering firm overseeing the design and permitting, has worked closely with the county to implement "value engineering" strategies to manage costs effectively throughout the planning stages.
Construction is slated to begin in late December 2025 or early January 2026, with an aggressive timeline targeting completion by Fall 2026. The urgency stems from the fact that the current active cell (Phase 2) is projected to reach its maximum capacity by summer 2026. This tight schedule is designed to avoid any interruption in waste services and prevent the need for costly emergency measures.
The construction contract for the new cells (2A and 2B) was awarded to FM Kitchens Construction Services, based in Jefferson, GA, who submitted the lowest competitive bid at $8.41 million. The total project cost, incorporating engineering fees, contingencies, and necessary equipment, brings the overall appropriation to approximately $10.4 million.
Beyond the physical expansion, Macon County has also been proactive in optimizing its waste logistics. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued in October 2025 for hauling and disposal services to streamline the transfer of waste between the Highlands Transfer Station and the main Franklin landfill site.
This landfill expansion represents a significant commitment from Macon County to its residents, securing essential public services and providing a sustainable, long-term solution for waste management for decades to come.
WNCTimes