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Landfill Odors:
Important Improvements Update
Wake County Solid Waste along with our landfill operations partner, GFL Environmental, continue to pursue a variety of landfill odor mitigating strategies. Our primary focus this fall and early winter was the pilot testing of a new foam based Alternative Daily Cover (ADC). The landfill must be closed every night after the waste stops coming in at 4 PM (Mon. - Sat.). Using 6" of soil is our best odor fighting daily closure strategy, however, with all the rain we've been getting the past couple of years, the consistent use of soil has proven to be impossible. The
Rusmar Foam alternative pilot test has unfortunately had its shortcomings including unreliable equipment operation as well as poor results when it rains after placement.
GFL Environmental is currently pursuing three other items to assist with landfill odors. There is another type of ADC that they are investigating and will most likely pursue another pilot in the coming months. Furthermore, they are installing an odor misting system on the main compactor that will run first thing in the morning and at other times when wind direction is an issue during daily operations. That is expected to be installed by the end of this month (January). Finally, they are researching the possibility of a different odor neutralizing compound for use in the current daily closure procedure. The existing vapor based odor system has finally been operating on a consistent basis after some modifications this past fall and we expect that to continue.
Our Solid Waste Division continues to work to improve the landfill gas collection system through maintaining and tuning wells and well pumps on a frequent basis (and adding wells and well pumps as the landfill grows). The automated well heads that were installed last year, continue in use and are adjusted based upon regular review of data. The
Envirosuite
software and hardware (odor monitoring devices and weather station) are all finally in-place and operating correctly. We will be releasing our new odor complaint website/link next week. Note that this will continue to be a website link (that can be used essentially as an app on your phone) in lieu of a formal phone application. With the use of Envirosuite, we will be able to provide better data for viewing (for these updates and at community meetings) and allow us to verify complaints. Additionally, we now have a tool that allows us to look up to 48 hours in advance of what times odors may be most problematic and use that information to adjust our efforts on-site (running vapor based odor system in full mode, using dirt for cover if possible, increasing the landfill gas system extraction, etc.) - see the screenshot below (that shows wind direction and speed as well as the potential "plume" of odor):
Wake County's Solid Waste Management Division, along with our landfill operator (GFL Environmental), have put into place numerous operational and constructed solutions that unfortunately have not been fully satisfactory in minimizing odor complaints. As stated above we are continually evaluating various methodologies to minimize odors.
It is important to note that due to proximity there is no solution currently available that will eliminate all possible chances for occasional odors, especially at the nearby neighborhoods (less than half mile). The goal is to minimize the occurrence and duration of those events.
We believe the combination of items described above will provide the best opportunity to minimize odor related impacts.
Please be aware that our facilities are not the only potential source of odor related issues in the area.
There is a privately-owned construction & demolition landfill next door to us (to the north next to 540) as well as both a municipal wastewater plant to our north (near Bojangles on 55) and south (Holly Springs industrial park off Green Oaks Parkway).
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Changes to the Trash Pass Program
Enclosed Trailers Now Require a Trash Pass
Beginning in January 2020 a
Trash Pass will now be required for all residents using enclosed trailers, as well as box trucks, and dual-axle trailers at Wake County Convenience Centers.
Residents are able to use
a single-axle open trailer and all other vehicles at Convenience Centers without
a Trash Pass.
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The Trash Pass Program was launched in 2018 at Convenience Centers
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However, d
espite this rule, we have seen an increase in contractors using Convenience Centers to dispose of construction waste, which has led to increased costs, and wait times at many Convenience Centers.
By restricting box trucks, dual-axle trailers and enclosed trailers without a Trash Pass, most contractors are restricted from using Convenience Centers.
To apply for a Trash Pass simply follow this link and complete the online application. Based upon review of your application, a seven-day (maximum) Trash Pass will be issued to use a box truck, dual-axle trailer, or enclosed trailer at a Convenience Center. Trash Passes can take up to two business days to process, so make sure to apply for it in advance.
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Reduce Waste Sent to Landfill
This Holiday Season and Beyond...
Did you know that between Thanksgiving and New Year household waste increases by 25%? Let Wake County help you reduce that number with the use of our free waste and recycling facilities:
1. Broken or unwanted holiday lights can be recycled in scrap metal containers at Convenience Centers
 2. Was fried turkey or ham on the menu this holiday season? Recycle your used cooking oil at Multi-material Recycling Facilities
 3. Too many boxes to fit in your curbside recycling bin after the holidays? Recycle extra cardboard at Convenience Centers
 4. If you cannot finish your holiday feast it can be composted in the food waste recycling bins at Convenience Center sites # 4, 7 & 8. Coming soon to site # 2!
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Bird Mania Is Back!
Gulls and Eagles Galore
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Photo Courtesy of John Williams
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If it has feathers, wings, and a beak, and likes to scavenge, chances are its kin has made a visit to the South Wake Landfill at some point.
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