According to John Steinberg, CEO of Same Day Dumpster Rental Lexington, landfills are, after all, an important component of waste management in Kentucky, with nearly 4.5 million residents.
Though they play an important role in managing waste that can’t be recycled or composted, landfills can also create environmental, health and logistical problems. Although Kentucky has made strides in managing and regulating its landfills, the sustainability issue persists.
Different Types of Landfills in Kentucky and Where They Are Located
There are many types of landfills in Kentucky: municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, construction and demolition debris (CDD) landfills, industrial landfills, and more. They have a specific purpose for each type reads as follows:
- Municipal solid waste landfills: this type of landfill is used to hold everyday garbage from homes and some types of commercial waste that are not hazardous. They are Kentucky’s most common types of landfills and are highly regulated to avoid soil and water contamination
- Construction and Demolition Debris Landfills: These landfills accept materials such as concrete, wood, and drywall from construction projects. They are generally less regulated than MSW landfills, but still managed to prevent pollution
- Commercial Landfills: Used to dispose of non-hazardous, commercial waste that comes from various industries, such as food waste and packaging materials
Scattered throughout urban and rural environments are Kentucky landfills, most located near large municipalities such as Louisville and Lexington, or major transportation routes for efficient waste transport. Due to lower land costs and available space, landfills serve multiple counties often in rural areas.
Environmental Impacts
Many environmental concerns with landfilling are offset through modern engineering and regulation. The state and federal agencies that mandate strict guidelines in Kentucky to reduce these impacts include:
- Groundwater Contamination: Leachate, a substance that is generated near solid waste disposal sites as water seeps through waste, can also pollute groundwater. To prevent leaks, Kentucky landfills must now be equipped with liners and leachate collection systems
- Air Pollution: Organic waste in landfills decomposes to form methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Many Kentucky landfills also have gas collection systems that capture methane and convert it into energy, alleviating emissions
- Land Use and Habitat Loss: Landfills take up a lot of space and often lead to habitat loss for animals. The trend has been gaining ground in the state, where once-closed landfills are being reclaimed to be repurposed, like being turned into green spaces, anything from parks to solar farms
- Odors and Aesthetics: Residents who live near landfills often complain of bad smells and unsightly landscapes. These issues are alleviated with advanced odor management systems and soil landscaping
Waste Management Challenges
Kentucky produces millions of tons of trash each year, only a fraction of which is diverted through recycling or composting. These resultant landfills come with a number of challenges:
- Limited Space: As some of Kentucky’s landfills near capacity, the state is in need of more facilities or alternative solutions to waste
- Illegal dumping: Illegal dumping is also a significant issue in rural areas, often because there is no access to reasonably priced waste disposal services. It is better to use a dumpster rental service
- Recycling & Diversion Rate: Kentucky have lower recycling rates than national average, putting excess burden on landfills. Education and investing in recycling infrastructure is essential in order to improve these rates
- Environmental Opposition: New landfills come with their own set of community and environmental concerns that plague waste management planning
Regulatory Framework
Landfill operations are regulated by the Kentucky Division of Waste Management (KDWM), part of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. State law adheres to federal rules established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including mandates for landfill liners, leachate systems and methane monitoring. KDWM also applies state-specific guidelines to address compliance in certain states.
Future Directions in Waste Management
Kentucky is making strides in the race to reduce reliance on landfills. Initiatives include:
- Implementing Better Recycling Schemes: Increasing the rates and education of curbside recycling can reduce the amounts of materials that go to the landfill
- Individual composting: Promoting composting makes it possible to avoid putting organic waste in landfills
- Waste-to-Energy Projects: Several landfills in Kentucky currently capture methane for energy production, and those programs could be expanded to further reduce greenhouse-gas emissions
- Policy Initiatives: Government regulations or incentives to reduce waste, like pay-as-you-throw, promote less waste generation from individuals or businesses
Landfills are an important service for the state, helping to control Kentucky’s waste, but also present environmental and logistical challenges. Kentucky can diminish its dependence on landfills, which is increasingly concerning to residents, by implementing sustainable practices and seeking alternative waste solutions.