Residents urge Vernon County to prioritize recycling over landfill expansion

In the heart of Vernon County, a passionate discussion unfolded during the recent Infrastructure Meeting on February 11, 2025, as residents voiced their concerns over the proposed expansion of the local landfill. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as community members, including Catherine Dahl, raised alarms about the potential environmental impacts of the landfill, particularly the risk of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contaminating the county's pristine water sources.

Dahl, a lifelong resident, emphasized the dire consequences of landfill leakage, warning that once the water is contaminated, it becomes nearly impossible to clean. She painted a vivid picture of a future where residents might have to haul in water or drill new wells, a scenario that many found alarming. "It's not if it's leaking now; it's how much it's going to leak," she stated, urging the county to consider alternatives to landfill expansion, such as investing in larger facilities that can manage waste more sustainably.

Echoing Dahl's sentiments, another resident, KJ, highlighted the financial implications of the landfill expansion. With Vernon County being the tenth poorest county in Wisconsin, KJ argued that the community cannot afford to invest in both the landfill and a robust recycling program. Instead, they proposed a shift towards a comprehensive waste management strategy focused on reduction, reuse, and recycling—collectively known as the "3 R's." KJ pointed out that many municipalities in the county already have access to alternative waste disposal methods, suggesting that the county could realistically close its landfill.

The meeting underscored a growing consensus among residents that the future of waste management in Vernon County should prioritize sustainability over expansion. KJ offered to present detailed alternatives to the board in the coming month, emphasizing the potential for Vernon County to become a leader in rural recycling initiatives. With over 1,400 hours of research on solid waste management, KJ expressed a commitment to sharing insights on successful recycling models from other regions.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the community is at a crossroads. The discussions not only highlighted the immediate concerns regarding environmental safety and financial viability but also opened the door to innovative solutions that could redefine waste management in Vernon County. Residents left the meeting with a renewed sense of hope, eager to explore sustainable paths forward that could benefit both the environment and the local economy.