Frequently Asked Questions

We estimate that the majority of the waste received at the Hillside Landfill is generated in Grayson, Fannin and Cooke Counties.

Protecting groundwater is a very important part of our business. It is included in all phases of development, from the initial planning, through the permitting process, during operations and even after closure.

We maintain a series of groundwater monitoring wells around the border of the landfill. Each well is monitored semi-annually to make sure the groundwater remains unaffected. The samples are tested by a certified independent laboratory and reviewed by qualified personnel. The laboratory results are submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the agency's review and approval.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the primary regulatory agency. TCEQ reviews and issues operating permits for waste disposal and oversees all of the daily operations.

Periodically, TCEQ inspectors arrive unannounced at the Hillside Landfill. Upon the inspector's arrival, the facility is required to provide any environmental information requested. The TCEQ inspector reviews and inspects landfill operations, including the waste disposal area, weigh station, leachate system, gas collection system, and record-keeping.

In addition, WM conducts self-inspections of each function of the landfill operations. Where applicable, independent monitoring and laboratory testing is performed by approved third-party companies and is submitted to the TCEQ.

WM also has a full-time environmental protection manager who oversees the environmental protection systems at the facility and fulfills state record-keeping and reporting requirements. At the facility itself, there is a management team, licensed by TCEQ, with responsibility for daily operations.

To manage landfill odors that may be created by gases generated from the decomposition of waste, WM uses a landfill gas collection and control system. The landfill 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.

Odors may also be associated by incoming waste loads. To address these potential odors, we screen incoming waste and if we identify particularly odorous incoming waste loads, we quickly dispose of and cover the waste. We also seek to minimize potential odors from newly deposited wastes by covering fresh waste with soil or a disposable tarp on a daily basis.

Much of the waste generated by residents and commercial activities is disposed of in a landfill, where it decomposes in a biological process. As waste decomposes naturally, it produces landfill gas. This gas is then collected through a system that includes wells, collection pipes and a compressor to create a vacuum.

Landfill gas can be handled in two ways: it can be safely destroyed in a flare, or harnessed and used as an energy source. Currently, the gas is burned at a central, high-temperature flare.

We help the local community by collecting and disposing of the waste in a safe and proper manner. Remember, on average, a Texas resident generates more than 7.3 pounds of solid waste every day. With a growing population in the Texoma area, the Hillside Landfill is needed to offer proper solutions in the management of solid waste.

We hire locally: WM employees work, live and raise their families in this area. When we invest in local employees, they reinvest in the local economy as homeowners, shoppers and taxpayers. We also contribute directly to the local tax base through corporate, real estate and payroll taxes.