Juneau evaluates waste management options amid landfill closure concerns

The Juneau City and Borough Assembly convened on June 2, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding waste management, a topic that has been under discussion for decades. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a strategic approach to waste disposal as the lifespan of the community's landfill dwindles to approximately ten years.

Assembly member Diana Robinson emphasized the importance of proactive planning, noting that the community has been grappling with waste management since 1984. The assembly's commitment to waste reduction goals, established in 2021, has led to the creation of a new environmental project specialist position aimed at tackling these challenges. Robinson warned that waiting for Waste Management, the private operator of the landfill, to announce its closure could leave the community with insufficient time to implement alternative solutions.

A significant focus of the meeting was the lack of control the city has over its waste management processes. Unlike many other communities in Alaska, Juneau does not own its waste disposal operations, which limits its ability to respond to changes in service or pricing. This lack of control was underscored by recent changes announced by Waste Management, which will require more documentation for construction and demolition waste, potentially complicating disposal for residents.

The assembly also discussed the results of a waste characterization study, revealing that nearly 59% of the waste generated in Juneau is recyclable, reusable, or compostable. This statistic highlights the potential for increased waste diversion efforts, which could alleviate pressure on the landfill.

Consultants from Jacobs presented three potential scenarios for future waste management in Juneau, all of which include the establishment of a transfer station. The scenarios range from routing waste to a new landfill, consolidating waste for off-site shipping, or constructing a waste-to-energy facility. Each option comes with varying capital costs, with estimates for a new transfer facility ranging from $9 million to $40 million, depending on size and capacity.

The assembly acknowledged the complexities involved in selecting a waste management strategy, including the need for further studies to refine cost estimates and assess feasibility. The discussions underscored the critical nature of planning for the future of waste management in Juneau, as the community faces a pivotal moment in addressing its waste disposal needs.

As the assembly moves forward, the urgency of these discussions will likely shape the community's approach to waste management, with significant implications for environmental sustainability and public health in Juneau. The assembly plans to continue exploring these options and engaging the community in the decision-making process, recognizing that timely action is essential to avoid a waste crisis in the near future.