Catalina MSW Landfill - Municipal Solid Waste Landfill in Tucson, Arizona

Catalina MSW Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The facility is operational and serves the waste management needs of Pima County and the surrounding area. As a landfill, it plays a key role in the region's solid waste disposal infrastructure. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA, specifically RCRA Subtitle D which governs municipal solid waste landfills, and Clean Air Act regulations for landfill gas emissions. In Arizona, landfills must also comply with state-level environmental quality standards. The NAICS code 562212 indicates this is a solid waste landfill operation. Environmental management at Catalina MSW Landfill includes landfill gas collection and leachate management to mitigate methane emissions and protect groundwater. The facility's location in the arid Sonoran Desert climate influences operational practices, particularly regarding water management and dust control. Proper waste compaction and daily cover are standard practices to minimize environmental impact.

The Tucson area's arid climate reduces leachate generation but increases dust and odor management challenges. Groundwater protection is critical due to the region's reliance on aquifers. Landfill gas collection systems help reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Proximity to residential areas requires careful traffic and odor management.