WM employs state-of-the-art odor control measures for the industry at the landfill, including more recent measures implemented and described in this update. We remain vigilant in our evaluation and implementation of best management practices and technology to enhance operations. WM continues its commitment to the Department and the community by continuing to conduct continuous ambient monitoring for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at the South and North Monitoring Station and the Dudley/Northside School. The gas collection/control systems also continue to operate at high levels of efficiency this quarter. The data supports that landfill gas is being collected and not migrating off-site and that there is no indication that emissions pose any health concerns. The site’s gas collection and control system, operating records, odor control programs, off-site H2S monitoring data, enhanced quarterly surface scans, DEC notification hotline and follow-up data from a trained odor detection investigator, and DEC inspection reports, all indicate the landfill is operating in a manner that minimizes off-site odors to the greatest extent practicable.
High Acres Landfill & Recycling Center Construction & Operational Update
1st Quarter 2026
Site Information
The High Acres Landfill began in 1971 and joined WM in 1972. The facility provides environmentally responsible solid waste management to the region. Located on approximately 1,500 acres, the facility offers many amenities. The permitted landfill consists of around 320 acres.
This update provides key enhancements that occurred on-site through the 1st quarter of 2026. Going forward, WM will provide similar updates on a quarterly basis. Key aspects include community benefits, site construction and monitoring, environmental performance and compliance.
Landfill Facts
Total Property: 1,500+ acres
Design Capacity: 3,500 tons per day
Closed Landfill: 72 acres
Western Expansion: 68.1 acres
Parkway Expansion Phase I: 20.1 acres
Parkway Expansion Phase II: 58 acres
Parkway Expansion Phase III: ~150 acres
Site Life: approx. 2051
Site Construction Activities
Cell 14A (8.9 Acres)
Started on April 1, 2026 with an anticipated completion of October 2026. It will provide 2.8M cubic yards of airspace.
(RNG) Renewable Natural Gas Facility
The 8,000 SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Facility on High Acres Landfill property, in Macedon, will process biogas collected from the landfill into pipeline-quality gas for injection into the nearby commercial gas transmission and distribution network. The RNG facility is expected to recover and distribute roughly 2 million MMBtu per year. The recovered gas would serve the heating needs of over 30,000 households in New York.
(RNG) Renewable Natural Gas Facility
Through biogas' beneficial use and recovery, more than 100,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year would be avoided or reduced. The RNG Facility will use a proven, reliable, and efficient technology platform, including a combination of membranes and Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) to purify the biogas. Gas processing equipment is now onsite, and process piping, electrical connections, and remaining site work are due to conclude approximately the end of Q3 2026.