Ada County landfill lifespan extends with new management strategies

During the recent Meridian City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the future of the Ada County landfill, which is facing challenges due to rapid population growth. Council members expressed concerns about the landfill's lifespan, originally projected to last 100 years when it opened in the early 2000s. However, due to increased waste and operational difficulties, that estimate has been revised to just 30 years remaining.

The council learned that new management strategies at the landfill could potentially extend its life by an additional 5 to 15 years. These strategies include rearranging the landfill's support structures and reverting to a method used 15 years ago that involves using tarps instead of soil for daily cover. This change aims to create more airspace for waste, which is crucial as the valley continues to grow.

Additionally, discussions touched on the possibility of diverting waste to a private landfill in Elmore County, which could impact the county landfill's operations. While this topic has not yet been formally addressed by the city commission, it highlights the need for proactive planning as the community prepares for future waste management challenges.

In another update, the council confirmed that the household hazardous waste program is back in operation at the Meridian Transfer Station. After some initial hiccups with contracting, the program is now running smoothly, allowing residents to safely dispose of hazardous materials without leaving their vehicles.

As Meridian continues to grow, the council emphasized the importance of addressing these waste management issues promptly, as decisions made today will shape the community's future for decades to come.