After years of community interest, composting is taking its first small steps in Montgomery County through two pilot programs designed to evaluate whether the service is practical, cost-effective, and supported by residents.

The City of Clarksville began offering compost collection in July during the Clarksville Downtown Market each Saturday through October 3. In addition, Bi-County Solid Waste launched a six-month composting pilot on July 30 with two collection containers at the Sango Convenience Center, the busiest convenience center in Montgomery County.

Both programs are intended to determine whether composting can help divert organic waste from the landfill while making responsible use of existing resources. Just as importantly, the pilot programs will help determine whether the service provides enough value to justify future expansion.

"The opportunity was offered to us at no cost, so the board agreed a pilot program made good sense," said Bi-County Solid Waste Executive Director Mark Neblett. "Over the next six months, we'll evaluate how residents use the service, whether materials are placed in the bins correctly, and whether it reduces the amount of waste going into the landfill. Those results will help our board determine whether expanding the program is a wise investment."

Clarksville Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Letourneau said the Farmers Market has been a natural place to introduce composting.  "This is a service I've hoped to offer for quite some time," Letourneau said. "Starting at the Farmers Market allows us to introduce the program on a manageable scale while giving residents an easy way to participate. If the community supports it and uses it properly, it could grow into something even more beneficial."

The pilot programs grew out of conversations facilitated through the Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program (CMCGCP), which brought together representatives from Montgomery County, the City of Clarksville, and The Compost Company to explore practical ways to expand local waste diversion opportunities through voluntary community partnerships.

“I’m thrilled the County and City chose to move forward with these projects,” said CMCCP Manager Michelle Newell. “This is an important first step toward keeping organic materials out of our landfill and putting them to better use. Composting transforms what was once considered waste into a beneficial product that is sold to support healthier soil and creates opportunities for job growth.”

Community Participation Will Determine Success

The future of both composting programs depends entirely on community participation and proper use.

Because these are pilot programs, contamination is major concern. If trash, plastics, glass, or other prohibited materials are mixed with compostable items, entire loads may be rejected, resulting in additional disposal costs that could jeopardize the future of the program.

Residents are encouraged to place only approved compostable materials in the collection bins, including:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds and paper filters
• Leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste
• Food-soiled paper products, including pizza boxes

"The success of this program depends on everyone doing their part," Neblett said. "If residents use the containers correctly, we'll have good information to determine whether composting is something our community wants and can support responsibly."

Clay Ezell, owner of The Compost Company, said bringing the service home is especially meaningful. "I'm excited to launch this service in our hometown," Ezell said. "Almost our entire staff lives in Clarksville. We've provided composting services for Metro Nashville convenience centers for years and expanded into Ashland City, but serving our own community is especially rewarding. We hope residents will give the program a try and help make it successful."

The Compost Company, based in Ashland City, partners with communities throughout Middle Tennessee to collect food scraps and organic materials, converting them into nutrient-rich compost used to improve soil, reduce waste, and put valuable organic material back to work.

The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center has once again demonstrated its commitment to resource stewardship by earning Gold Level recertification this July through the Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program.

Led by Facilities Manager Eric Shanley, the museum successfully met the program's sustainability standards by demonstrating leadership through continuous improvement and wise operational practices.

"The whole team has been on board, bringing forward initiatives to reuse items and reduce what we send to the landfill," Shanley said. "The great part is that these efforts help us save money, allowing us to keep our focus on serving the community."

To achieve recertification, the museum, originally recognized in 2017, completed several new sustainability initiatives, including an updated energy audit, expanded native landscaping, and additional waste reduction measures that decreased the frequency of garbage pickups.

The museum also conducted a water quality analysis of its municipal water supply, confirming it met high-quality standards. The results reinforced an important solutions message: municipal tap water is tested more frequently and held to stricter safety standards than bottled water, making plastic water bottles an unnecessary source of waste for the organization.

Customs House Executive Director Frank Lott, who was unable to attend the recognition ceremony, praised the organization's continued commitment to sustainability.

"I am proud of our organization and our continued conservation efforts in the community," Lott said.

During the presentation, Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden thanked the Customs House staff for their dedication to good stewardship and shared some of the County's efforts, including the establishment of a tree farm at Fredonia that will help add to the tree canopy on County properties.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program is a voluntary environmental recognition program administered by Montgomery County Government that helps organizations integrate sustainable business practices into their daily operations. Participants complete a comprehensive assessment in areas including energy conservation, water stewardship, waste reduction and recycling, pollution prevention, transportation, landscaping, purchasing, and community engagement. Organizations that meet established sustainability benchmarks are recognized at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level.

Originally launched in 2011, the program was reintroduced in 2025 under the leadership of Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden as part of the County's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable economic development. Today, the program brings together businesses, industries, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies working to reduce their environmental impact while improving operational efficiency and serving as community leaders in sustainability. 

Good for Business. Good for the Community. Good for the Future.

Organizations interested in becoming Green Certified or learning more about the program may contact Montgomery County Government's Green Certification Program Manager at 931-245-1867 or [email protected]. 

The next Green Certification class is scheduled for August 26, 2026.

Celebrate the final days of summer at Montgomery County Parks and Recreation's first Back to School Splash on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Civitan Park, 350 Bellamy Lane. This free, community-wide event is designed to bring families together for one last splash before the new school year begins. 

Guests can cool off with a variety of exciting water attractions on the Lacrosse Field, including giant water inflatables, a toddler splash zone, and a foam party running from noon to 3 p.m. 

One of the day's highlights is the Reverse Water Parade, taking place from 1 to 2 p.m. in the parking lot. Instead of watching floats roll by,  attendees will walk a designated route past stationary emergency and public service vehicles from the Montgomery County Fire Department, Montgomery County EMS, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery County Highway Department. As families make their way through the parade, each vehicle will spray water, creating a fun and refreshing way for everyone to beat the summer heat.  

The fun continues with a Balloon Battle at 2 p.m. for participants ages 8 and older. No registration is required—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for a friendly water balloon showdown.

Food trucks will also be on site throughout the event with food available for purchase, including Bondi Bowls, Doodles Panini, Pop and Dogs, and Fross Boss, making it easy for families to enjoy lunch while spending the day at the park. 

The Back to School Splash is free and open to the public, offering the perfect opportunity for families to make lasting summer memories before heading back to the classroom. 

For more information, follow Montgomery County TN Parks and Recreation on Facebook or visit montgomerytn.gov/parks. 

Get ready for a night of music, motorcycles, and community spirit as Montgomery County Parks and Recreation presents the next Downtown @ Sundown concert, featuring Kid Kentucky, a Kid Rock tribute band, on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Downtown Commons. 

Before the concert, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Bikers Who Care, YAIPak, and Appleton Harley-Davidson are teaming up for a Mini Toy Run to help spread holiday joy to children in need. 

Mini Toy Run Details: 

• Kickstands up at 6:00 PM from Appleton Harley-Davidson (2501 Hwy 41A, Clarksville). 
• Riders will travel down Hwy 41-A to Riverside Drive, turn right on Commerce St, then left onto 3rd St, arriving at Downtown Commons. 
• All donated toys will go to YAIPak to help bring Christmas cheer to local children this holiday season. 
• Not a rider? Bring a toy donation directly to the Downtown @ Sundown concert! YAIPak will be on-site to collect the toys. 
• Motorcycles will arrive around 6:45 pm, and live music will begin at 7:00 pm, featuring a Kid Rock tribute band, Kid Kentucky. 

The evening will feature a variety of delicious food and drink options. Beer and other beverages will be available for purchase, with the following food trucks set up on Main Street: 

• Kadi’s Tacos 
• Fryz Wit Dat 
• Burgasm 
• E’s Squeezed Lemonade 
• L.A. Street Dogs 

The Downtown @ Sundown Concert Series is free and open to the public, running select Fridays from May through October. Bring your chairs and blankets for a night under the stars, but please leave pets, coolers, smoking/vaping products, and outside alcohol at home. 

Downtown @ Sundown is proudly brought to you by Tristar Beverage Clarksville. For more information and the full 2026 concert lineup, visit Montgomery County Parks and Recreation. 

Photo Credit: ClarksvilleNow; The 41st Annual Bikers Who Care Toy Run to support Camp Rainbow and BWC Children's Charities on Sep. 17, 2022. (Lee Erwin) 

We are buzzing with excitement in Montgomery County! On Tuesday, August 18, the Imagination Library of Montgomery County (ILMC) Bee-Lieve in Literacy: Adult Spelling Bee Showdown will once again take center stage at the Customs House Museum, 200 S. 2nd Street. The event begins with a reception and silent auction at 5 p.m. and the spelling bee kicking off at 6 p.m.

Local teams will compete for the coveted title of Ultimate Spellers of Montgomery County, but spelling is only part of the fun. Team spirit counts, too, so expect costumes, chants, and sound effects. To keep the competition lively, attendees can even influence the judges, adding another layer of fun to the competition.

Leading this year's hive of supporters is the Kiwanis Club of Clarksville, returning as the event's Queen Bee Sponsor with a generous $12,000 contribution, reflecting the club's longstanding commitment to early literacy. 

“The Imagination Library of Montgomery County, like Kiwanis, supports the advancement of literacy and quality of life for children from birth until they turn five, which helps them learn and be better prepared for school,” said Larry Schmidt, president of the Clarksville Kiwanis Club of Clarksville. “We are honored to once again be the lead sponsor for the Spelling Bee fundraiser that puts thousands of books into the hands of children every month.”

This year's judges are former County Mayor Jim Durrett, radio host Lee Irwin, and Economic Development Council Project Manager Janet Wilson, who will be watching spelling closely while remaining open to a few sweet "financial incentives" along the way - all for children's books, of course. 

Keeping the evening buzzing are emcees Kimberly Wiggins, County Trustee, known for her sharp wit and community involvement, and Kevin Kennedy, nationally recognized on TikTok and locally known as the face of The Kennedy Law Firm. 

Tickets are for those 21 and older and can be purchased through the QR code below. To become a sponsor, get printed tickets, or support the ILMC, contact event co-chairs Julie Runyon at [email protected] or Michelle Newell at [email protected] .

Every dollar raised helps provide free books each month to local children from birth to age five, building early literacy skills, home libraries, and a lifelong love of reading.

Whether you're competing, sponsoring a team, bidding in the silent auction, or cheering from the audience, the Bee-Lieve in Literacy: Adult Spelling Bee Showdown promises an unforgettable evening of laughter, friendly competition, and community generosity —all to help give every child the opportunity to begin school ready to succeed.

About the Imagination Library of Montgomery County: The Imagination Library of Montgomery County provides free, high-quality books each month to more than 9,000 local children from birth to age five, fostering early literacy and a lifelong love of reading through the generosity of community partners, donors, and volunteers.

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