Odor, Litter, Mud and Noise Controls
The Hillside Landfill seeks to minimize odors that may generate from the landfill in several ways. One of the purposes of the landfill gas collection and control system that WM uses is to reduce odors created by gases generated from the decomposition of waste.
The gas collection and control system at the landfill consists of gas extraction wells that have been installed in deposited waste areas to remove landfill gas. In addition to vertical wells installed to collect gas, horizontal gas collectors have been installed to control odors.)
To minimize odors from newly deposited wastes, the landfill covers fresh waste with soil or a disposable tarp on a daily basis. In addition, WM promptly disposes of and covers highly odorous incoming waste loads as identified by the gatehouse.
Keeping the Community Clean
WM uses several different litter fences around the active areas of the Hillside Landfill to prevent windblown litter. These fences include both portable and temporary fences around the working face. Windblown litter from these fences is collected daily.
At least once per day on days when the facility is in operation, WM collects litter on the right-of-way of Nelson Road and the right-of-way of Highway 11 from the intersection of Highway 11 and Nelson Road for two miles along Highway 11 in either direction. To further reduce litter, WM adds a surcharge fee for any vehicle that comes in the facility with loads not covered by a tarp.
Internal landfill access roads are constructed as all-weather roads and maintained on a daily basis to prevent mud generation and spillage from hauling trucks.
Noise Controls
WM equips its bulldozers, compactors and other heavy equipment with sensors or motion detectors such that the required backing operations alarms do not sound unless there is a potential need for them to do so.