FAQ

Central Sanitary Landfill is owned and operated by Central Sanitary Landfill, Inc.

The facility accepts approximately 850 tons of waste daily.

The waste disposed of at Central Sanitary Landfill is generated at homes and businesses from all across Montcalm, Newaygo, Kent, Mecosta, Gratiot, Isabella, Osceola, and Ionia Counties.

Central Sanitary Landfill accepts Municipal Solid Waste, Commercial Waste, Construction & Demolition waste, and Non-Hazardous Industrial Waste. We cannot accept tires, batteries, or hazardous wastes.

There are many environmental protection systems at Central Sanitary Landfill, including but not limited to, the following:

Engineered Landfill Liner System: The liner at the base of the Landfill consists of a geo-synthetic clay liner, a high-density polyethylene liner, a fabric drainage layer, stone drainage corridors and leachate collection pipes, and 2 feet of protective cover. In total, there are 10 feet of constructed liner between the waste and the natural environment. All of the liners are thoroughly tested to meet regulations and ensure proper engineering construction standards.

Stormwater Collection: Rainwater, which does not touch any waste, must also be managed appropriately. Storm water runoff is collected and contained in a detention pond, which allows soil particles to be removed.

Groundwater Monitoring: Central Sanitary Landfill assesses groundwater with 67 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 46 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.

The facility is fully permitted by MDEQ, the primary agency that provides the regulatory permitting, enforcement, and operational compliance oversight. Central Sanitary Landfill is inspected at minimum once a quarter by MDEQ.

The residents and businesses in our area generate thousands of tons of municipal solid waste on a daily basis. Central Sanitary Landfill serves as one outlet for proper disposal for this waste.

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.

Proper daily operations are critical to environmentally sound waste disposal. All employees at Central Sanitary Landfill are trained to handle incoming waste in the most environmentally responsible manner. Access to the site is limited to one entrance/exit. The facility records and tracks all waste shipments with gate receipts and a network of video cameras. 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.

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 46 individual landfill gas wells and an on-site landfill gas-to-energy plant. 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.

Birds are controlled primarily by utilizing daily or alternate daily cover to make the facility less desirable to them. However, when they are present, we utilize humane “whistlers” in an effort to make the Landfill a less desirable congregation area. Central Sanitary Landfill is also considering emerging technology such as drones for bird control.

There is capacity for approximately 35 more years of disposal at current disposal rates.

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.

Organic waste can decompose within months, while non-organic waste such as plastics and glass can take 450-1,000 years to fully decompose.

Central Sanitary Landfill is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Central Sanitary Landfill is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and major holidays.

Yes, landfill tours are offered. Please contact us to arrange a time for a group tour.