Environmental Progress - Spring 1997

Landfills: Fewer But Larger

Capacity should be adequate at least until the next century.

Available space remaining in all Illinois nonhazardous solid-waste landfills reached a record high of 474 million cubic yards at the start of 1996. Fortunately, less than one-tenth of that volume is needed each year, according to the Illinois EPA's recently released report, "Available Disposal Capacity for Solid Waste in Illinois."

During 1995, the state's active landfills accepted 46.8 million cubic yards of nonhazardous solid wastes C only slightly more than the nine-year average disposal of 45.1 million cubic yards yearly.

Annual disposal volume remained fairly constant between 1987 and 1995, the 172-page document shows. Active landfills numbers dropped from 146 to 58, while total landfill capacity rose from 274million cubic yards to the current 474 million cubic yards.

Landfills are fewer, but can accept more solid waste.

Simply stated: landfills are getting bigger. If landfill disposal continues at the nine-year average rate, as expected, aggregate landfill capacity in Illinois should remain sufficient for at least 10 years.

The report shows available capacity rose by 112 million cubic yards between 1994 through 1995, with an additional 102 million cubic yards of new capacity being sought as of January 1996.

Waste-management activities in each of seven Illinois EPA administrative regions are detailed and volumes and sources of wastes are shown for the 42 Illinois counties having active landfills.

Nearly 91 percent of nonhazardous solid wastes landfilled during 1995 were generated in-state. Out-of-state wastes accounted for only 4.3 million cubic yards; of this number, 74 percent originated in Missouri.

Regional maps identify each landfill and the year each is expected to reach capacity.

During 1995, waste handling in Illinois was assisted by 66 transfer stations,51 of them located in Cook County.

Composting, nonhazardous solid waste incinerator data is also included.

The state's 68 permitted composting facilities and one nonhazardous solid-waste incinerator together accepted just 2.5 percent of nonhazardous solid wastes disposed of during the year.

An explanation of siting authority has been added. By law, only host counties or municipalities can decide if a site is suitable for development of a new pollution control facility; the Illinois EPA's review is restricted solely to assessing design and engineering considerations.

The report features graphs, maps and tables. Twelve appendices offer minutiae ranging from landfill footprints, elevations and tipping fees, to percentages of municipal wastes recycled in each of 102 counties.

Copies are available from the Illinois EPA's Solid Waste Management Section, Springfield, Ill. 62794-9276, or by calling 217-785-8604.