Who owns and operates Niagara Falls Landfill?
Niagara Falls Landfill is owned and operated by Allied Waste Niagara Falls Landfill, LLC.
Why do we need a landfill?
The residents and businesses near Niagara Falls Landfill generate hundreds of tons of construction and demolition and non-hazardous industrial-type solid wastes on a daily basis. Niagara Falls Landfill serves as one outlet for proper disposal for this waste.
Is the Landfill 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.
How much waste is accepted daily?
The facility accepts approximately 2,000 tons of waste daily.
Where does the waste originate?
Niagara Falls Landfill accepts construction and demolition and non-hazardous industrial-type solid wastes from Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties in New York, neighboring states and Canada
What types of wastes are accepted at the Landfill?
Niagara Falls Landfill accepts construction and demolition and non-hazardous industrial-type solid wastes. We do not accept municipal solid waste (MSW), electronic waste, batteries, tires, or hazardous waste.
What environmental protection systems are in place?
Niagara Falls Landfill is operated in a manner designed to protect public health and the environment. We regularly monitor and report our activities to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and we strive to meet or exceed all state and federal regulations. All waste is disposed of within the boundary of a constructed landfill area that has been engineered to protect the environment and meets all federal, state and local regulations. There are many environmental protection systems at Niagara Falls Landfill.
Landfill liner: The liner at the base of the landfill consists of 5.5 feet of compacted clay liner, a double composite high-density polyethylene liner, a fabric drainage layer, and gravel drainage corridors and leachate collection pipes. In total, there are 7.5 feet of constructed liner between the waste and the natural environment. All of the liners are state-approved, and thoroughly tested to meet regulations and ensure proper engineering construction standards.
Leachate collection: Protection of all water sources is a priority at Niagara Falls Landfill. The Landfill is designed with a state of the art composite liner system designed to contain any leachate that percolates through the solid waste. Once collected, the leachate is discharged to the Niagara Falls wastewater facility where it is treated for disposal. Surface water runoff is controlled through a series of diversion berms and drainage ditches to preserve its quality.
Rainwater collection: Rainwater that does not touch any waste must also be managed appropriately. Stormwater runoff is collected and contained in detention ponds, which allow soil particles to settle before the water is discharged to a nearby waterway. Visual inspections are conducted weekly, and analysis is done monthly.
Groundwater monitoring: Niagara Falls Landfill assesses groundwater with 200 individual groundwater monitoring wells. Each well is routinely tested to verify the groundwater’s quality.
Gas collection: Some waste naturally decomposes and produces gas. To control potential odor from landfill gas, a landfill gas management system collects gas through a series of pipes and vents. Collected gas is routed to an on-site flare where it is safely destroyed.
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 cap includes a geocomposite layer, a low-density polyethylene liner, a geotextile layer, 12 inches of soil or clay, and 6 inches of topsoil and vegetation.
Who permits and inspects the facility?
The facility is fully permitted and monitored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and inspected monthly.
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 Niagara Falls Landfill are trained to handle incoming waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Access to the site is limited to one entrance/exit. 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.
How do you control odors?
Potential landfill gas and odors are controlled with responsible landfill management practices such as waste compaction, applying daily cover per our permit, and using an effective landfill gas collection and control system when necessary. Landfill personnel conduct routine odor inspections to detect potential off-site odor and address odor as quickly as possible if detected.
What is the life expectancy of the landfill?
There is capacity for approximately 2 more years of disposal at current disposal rates.
What happens once the Niagara Falls 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 the NYSDEC approves the site for final closure.
When is the Landfill open for business?
Niagara Falls Landfill is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am-5:00 pm. Niagara Falls Landfill is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays.
Can I take a tour of the Landfill?
Yes, landfill tours are offered. Please call (716) 285-3344 to arrange a time for a tour.