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Public Works outlines recycling, landfill improvements and future constraints
Summary
Public Works staff told the Amherst County Board of Supervisors Jan. 7 that recycling capabilities and landfill services have expanded in recent years but that some material streams still cost the county to process and that cell space is projected to run low by early 2026 without planned expansion.
Amherst County Public Works staff presented a progress report on recycling and landfill operations at the Jan. 7 Board of Supervisors meeting, reviewing changes implemented over the last five years and near-term operational needs.
The county has moved from unsecured "green box" drop-off dumpsters to site upgrades that include aluminum and cardboard compactors, paper and commingled plastic collection, scrap-metal collection, and expanded landfill acceptance for used motor oil, automobile batteries, tires, concrete and household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, bulbs). At the landfill, staff said recovered oil is used to heat the maintenance shop and scrap-metal revenues help offset uniform and other operating costs.
Why it matters: The changes aim to reduce landfill space use, improve environmental stewardship and recover revenue where possible. Staff cautioned that some commodities (plastics and paper) currently cost the county to recycle because processing and transportation exceed resale revenue. The landfill's cell-expansion schedule was discussed: staff said they expect cell 1 to reach capacity approximately February 2026 and are pursuing construction and DEQ certification for cell 2 to ensure continuous airspace.
Questions and answers: Board members asked about glass recycling (no regional solution currently available) and whether farm plastics (silage wrap) fit in commingled bins (answer: no; such heavy-duty wraps do not fit the 1—7 commingled category). Staff said used motor oil is accepted from any county resident and is burned onsite for heat. An outside vendor, Sunoco, was identified as a regional processor for some materials and as a partner in outreach with the schools.
Fiscal information: Board members requested specific fiscal-return figures for recyclables; staff said those numbers were not immediately available but committed to follow up with detailed financials. The board also asked about schedule and permitting for landfill cell 2; staff said bids were put out and DEQ certification is pending, with a target to have cell 2 operational by late 2025 or early 2026.
Ending: Staff will return with detailed fiscal returns on recycling commodities and with updates on procurement, DEQ certification for cell 2 and possible strategies for glass and other currently unrecyclable materials.
