Milam Recycling and Disposal Facility - Landfill in East St. Louis, Illinois, USA

Milam Recycling and Disposal Facility is a landfill located at 601 Madison Road in East St. Louis, Illinois, within St. Clair County. Owned and operated by WM, the facility has been in operation since 1965 and is currently open, with a planned closure year of 2035. It serves as a key solid waste management site for the region. As a landfill, the facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills. It must comply with landfill gas management rules under the Clean Air Act, including gas collection and control systems to mitigate methane emissions. Leachate management systems are also required to protect groundwater resources. The facility plays a significant role in managing waste from the East St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Its long operational history and planned closure in 2035 indicate a mature site with established environmental controls. WM, as a major waste management company, ensures adherence to federal and state regulations for landfill operation and post-closure care.

The facility is located in the Mississippi River floodplain near East St. Louis, an area with shallow groundwater and proximity to the river. This setting requires robust leachate collection and groundwater monitoring to prevent contamination. Landfill gas management is critical to reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. The site's urban location also necessitates traffic management and odor control measures to minimize community impact.