Garrett County SWD and RF Landfill - Oakland, Maryland Solid Waste Management Facility

Garrett County SWD and RF is a landfill facility located at 3118 Oakland Sang Run Road in Oakland, Maryland, United States. Owned and operated by Garrett County, the facility has been in operation since 1974 and is scheduled for closure in 2037. As a municipal solid waste landfill, it serves the waste management needs of Garrett County and surrounding areas. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA, specifically RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste landfills, and must comply with Clean Air Act landfill gas rules. Typical landfill operations include waste compaction, daily cover, leachate management, and landfill gas collection. The landfill's long operational history suggests it has developed infrastructure for gas capture and leachate treatment to mitigate environmental impacts. As a county-owned facility, Garrett County SWD and RF plays a critical role in local solid waste management, providing a disposal option for residential and commercial waste. Its location in rural western Maryland means it serves a relatively low-density population, but must manage environmental risks such as groundwater protection and methane emissions. The facility's planned closure in 2037 indicates ongoing active management and eventual site remediation.

Landfills in Maryland, particularly in Garrett County, must address leachate management to protect groundwater resources, as the area features karst topography and sensitive watersheds. Landfill gas collection systems are essential to reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Community proximity and truck traffic are also key concerns, requiring careful planning to minimize odors and noise.