At IWS, we’ve been part of this community for years, and we’re committed to keeping it a place we’re all proud to call home. As we move forward with expanding our landfill, we want to be open about what that means for you and your neighbors. That’s why we’ve invested in engineered liner systems, gas collection, groundwater protection, and proactive odor control—all designed to safeguard our air, water, and quality of life. This expansion comes at no financial cost to the community, and we’ll continue supporting local partnerships and giving back just as we always have. Below, you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most from our neighbors.
What type of waste is accepted at the landfill & what type of landfill do you operate?
We operate a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill, meaning we are permitted to accept everyday household waste as well as construction and demolition (C&D) materials. We may also accept certain special wastes, provided they are non-hazardous and meet strict regulatory requirements. All waste accepted at the landfill must comply with our approved waste acceptance plan.
How do you control landfill odors?
Landfill odor control is managed through a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and rapid response. Our primary focus is minimizing odor generation by maintaining proper waste placement, limiting the active working face, and applying cover in accordance with permit requirements. We also operate and continuously optimize our landfill gas collection and control system to capture odorous compounds before they can migrate off-site. In addition, we conduct routine odor monitoring, evaluate weather conditions and wind direction, proactively apply odor-neutralizing technologies where appropriate, and investigate and respond promptly to any odor concerns. Our goal is to identify the source, implement corrective actions quickly, and continuously improve operational practices to minimize impacts on neighboring communities.
What environmental protections are in place?
We use several environmental protection systems at the landfill to help protect air and water quality and support safe operations, including, but not limited to:
Liner system
A highly engineered liner system helps protect groundwater by creating a barrier between the waste and the soil beneath the landfill. It also helps collect leachate so it can be properly managed and treated.
Gas collection system
A network of wells and pipes collects landfill gas so it can be safely controlled and managed. This helps control odors and limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Groundwater and stormwater management
Monitoring wells are used to routinely check groundwater quality and help confirm that landfill systems are working as designed. Stormwater is collected and managed on site, while any water that comes into contact with waste is contained, collected, and treated separately.
What steps are taken to ensure that the landfill is a good neighbor and why is it important to the community?
Being a good neighbor is a priority for us at IWS. We proudly support organizations that strengthen our communities and actively look for ways to stay involved. Through initiatives like food drives, scholarships, and local partnerships, we remain committed to making a lasting, positive impact where our employees and neighbors live and work. Check out these testimonials from some of our community partners.
Who permits and inspects the landfill?
We operate within longstanding Federal and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency standards. The Ohio EPA and Jefferson County Health District oversee the permitting and inspection of our landfill, enforcing the state’s solid waste regulations.
Will there be any cost to the community?
No, there will be no financial cost to the community. In fact, the expansion is expected to continue benefiting the community through the fees we pay to operate, along with the ongoing charitable giving and community support we are committed to providing.
Is truck traffic going to increase due to expansion? Will there be more train traffic?
No, truck traffic is not expected to increase. The number of hauling operations will remain the same, so truck activity will stay consistent with current levels. Train traffic is expected to remain consistent over time.
How are groundwater and surface water protected?
The landfill is built with a highly engineered liner system that includes multiple protective layers designed to prevent any materials from reaching the groundwater. At the surface, stormwater is carefully managed through a collection system that captures runoff. This water is then tested, treated, and reused safely within the landfill whenever possible. These systems work together to ensure we operate responsibly and minimize environmental impact, helping to protect the surrounding community and local waterways.
Why are you expanding the landfill?
While we continue to pursue more sustainable waste solutions nationally, waste still must be managed responsibly. Expanding the landfill helps ensure there is sufficient capacity at a properly permitted, compliant facility rather than shifting waste to less suitable alternatives. In addition, the expansion of an existing landfill is a more efficient and environmentally responsible approach than developing a new site. It also helps support local workforce growth by sustaining jobs for nearly 200 employees (and growing) and creating continued opportunities for skilled workers in the region.