Metro RDF Landfill - Franklin, Wisconsin Solid Waste Management Facility

Metro RDF is a landfill facility located at 10712 South 124th Street in Franklin, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. Owned and operated by WM, it has been in operation since 1951 and is scheduled to close in 2032. As a major solid waste management facility in the region, it serves the waste disposal needs of the Milwaukee area. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA, including RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste landfills and Clean Air Act landfill gas rules. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources enforces state-specific regulations for landfill operations, including groundwater monitoring and methane gas collection. The landfill's long operational history suggests it has evolved to meet modern environmental standards. Metro RDF plays a significant role in the regional waste management infrastructure, handling substantial tonnages of municipal solid waste. Its location in an urbanized area requires careful management of community impacts such as traffic and odor. The facility's projected closure in 2032 indicates ongoing planning for post-closure care and landfill gas management.

The landfill is situated in an urbanized area of southeastern Wisconsin, where groundwater protection is critical due to the region's glacial till and shallow aquifers. Leachate management and methane gas collection are key environmental considerations. The facility's proximity to residential areas necessitates robust odor control and traffic management measures. Regulatory compliance with EPA landfill gas rules helps mitigate methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.