Economy and the Nudist Camp

Times are tough all over. First gas prices, food prices, housing market, and now garbage service. This story is from NewsChannel 5 in Nashville.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Times are tough even in some unusual places.

The cost of fuel is hitting a nudist camp in Rutherford County right where it hurts --- in the pocketbook.

Higher gas prices mean visitors can no longer get garbage service. Their regular trash pick-up is about to end.

"It's just a comfortable free way of living," said visitor at Rock Haven Lodge, which is five miles south of Murfreesboro.

It's not an everyday campground.

"We're a nudist park. We're not a clothing-optional park, of course weather permitting.

Owner Susan Palmer likes to keep the area clean, but now she faces a big challenge. No one wants to pick up the trash.

"I can't tell you how many times I've heard the words, ‘too far out,'" she said.

Palmer said the garbage truck comes Tuesday mornings to empty the dumpster, but that's coming to an end.

"Waste Industries has notified us that they will not service our area," she said.

Other companies told her the same thing due to rising fuel costs.

She said Waste Industries told her they had to cut back.

When the garbage company did an audit of its routes the problem was exposed. Rock Haven residents lived just too far off the beaten path. The main thoroughfare between Rock Haven and Murfreesboro is Bradyville Pike. The closest commercial dumpster is 3.3 miles away.

The owner and most of her guests agree something has to be done.

"We all have the same problems," said David Meyers.

David and Linda Meyers said fuel costs are hitting them, too.

"So, you know you have to pay, but the trash is a No. 1 necessity that has to be picked up and cleaned up. It's a hazard," Linda Meyers said.

Palmer said her campers may have to pay more to stay in the park if she has to haul the trash off herself. If she does that she'll have to take it to a convenience center, which is about a mile and a half away.

She will have to pay for fuel, a truck and trash containers. She said that cost will be passed on to her customers.

Waste Industries did not return several calls seeking their side of the story.

To see a video report of this story, click here.