Who owns and operates Modern Landfill?
Modern Landfill is owned and operated by Republic Services of Pennsylvania, LLC.
How much waste is accepted daily?
The facility is permitted to accept up to 5,000 tons of waste daily, and averages 3,500-4,500 tons per day.
Where does the waste originate?
Over the previous decade, more than 80% of all waste accepted has originated in Pennsylvania. Half of the waste accepted has come from York, Dauphin, Cumberland Lancaster and Adams counties.
What types of wastes are accepted at the Landfill?
Modern Landfill accepts municipal solid waste, commercial waste, construction & demolition and non-hazardous industrial waste. We cannot accept tires, batteries, or hazardous wastes.
What environmental protection systems are in place?
There are many environmental protection systems at Modern Landfill, including but not limited to, the following:
Engineered Landfill Liner System: The geocomposite liner system at Modern Landfill consists of a compacted earth sub-grade, six inches of a compacted clay sub-base layer, a seven-layer geo-synthetic HHDPE liner and 18 inches of protective cover. In total, there are more than two feet of constructed liner between the waste and the natural environment. This technologically advanced system meets or exceeds all local, state and federal landfill design criteria and is thoroughly tested.
Stormwater Collection: Rainwater that does not come into contact with any waste must also be managed appropriately. Storm water runoff is collected and contained in 4 detention ponds, which allows soil particles to be removed.
Groundwater Monitoring: Modern Landfill assesses groundwater with 78 individual groundwater monitoring wells. Groundwater samples are collected and analyzed on a quarterly basis and reported to the state.
Gas Collection: Once trash is disposed of, it naturally decomposes and produces gas. A landfill gas management system collects gas through a series of pipes and more than 251 gas wells. The system is monitored in accordance with local, state and federal requirements.
Partial Final Capping: Once we bring our elevation to final grade, we place a final cover over the top to entomb the waste. This cover keeps liquids out and gases in and ensures protection of the environment.
Who permits and inspects the facility?
The facility is fully permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), the primary agency that provides the regulatory permitting, enforcement, and operational compliance oversight. Modern Landfill is inspected at minimum once per month by the PADEP.
Why do we need a landfill?
The residents and businesses in our area generate thousands of tons of municipal solid waste on a daily basis. Modern Landfill serves as one outlet for proper disposal for this waste.
Is the Landfill really important to our community?
The Landfill is an integral part of the local economy and infrastructure. It provides jobs for local residents and affordable, responsible waste disposal options for residents and businesses.
What additional steps are taken to ensure that the Landfill is a good neighbor?
Proper daily operations are critical to environmentally sound waste disposal. All employees at Modern Landfill are trained to handle incoming waste in the most environmentally responsible manner. Public access to the site is limited to one entrance/exit. The facility records and tracks all waste shipments with gate receipts and a software system to account for all incoming loads. Each load of incoming waste is visually inspected to ensure that only permitted materials are accepted for disposal. Once unloaded, the waste is visually inspected again. At the end of each working day, daily cover is placed over the waste. Steps are also taken to control dust, litter and odor. Periodic watering of access roads prevents dust from rising when trucks travel in and out of the landfill. Litter is minimized by limiting the size of the active disposal area, applying daily cover and using fencing on windy days to catch blowing materials. Any litter that blows off-site is collected by landfill personnel daily.
How do you control odors?
Landfill gas and odors are controlled with responsible landfill management practices such as waste compaction, applying daily cover per our permit, and the use of an effective landfill gas collection and control system, which includes 251 individual landfill gas wells. The landfill gas system is monitored frequently, enhanced regularly and expanded as needed. Landfill personnel also conduct routine off-site odor inspections to detect and manage potential off-site odor.
What is the life expectancy of the Landfill?
Currently, there is capacity for approximately 5 more years of disposal at current disposal rates.
What happens once the Modern Landfill stops being used as a landfill?
Once the Landfill is filled to capacity, a final landfill capping system will be installed that consists of an engineered soil liner, cover soils, and a vegetation layer. The site will also be maintained for an additional 30 years in post-closure care after the final closure. This care includes continued groundwater monitoring, leachate management, and compliance reporting until such time regulators approve the site for final closure.
How long does it take for something to breakdown in a landfill?
Organic waste can decompose within months, while non-organic waste such as plastics and glass can take 450-1,000 years to fully decompose.
When is the Landfill open for business?
Modern Landfill is open to the public Monday through Friday from 6:00am – 3:30pm. Modern Landfill is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays.
Can I take a tour of the Landfill?
Yes, landfill tours are offered. Please complete the Tour Request Form.