Overview
Palo Alto Landfill and Recycling Center is an operational landfill in Santa Clara County, California, serving the Palo Alto area. It processes municipal solid waste and recyclables, supporting local waste management.
The Palo Alto Landfill and Recycling Center is a landfill facility located at 2380 Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto, California, within Santa Clara County. It is currently operational and serves as a key solid waste management site for the region, handling municipal solid waste and recyclable materials. The facility is classified under NAICS codes 562211 (Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal) and 562212 (Solid Waste Landfill), indicating its dual role in waste processing and disposal. As a landfill operating in California, the facility is subject to stringent state and federal regulations, including the US EPA's RCRA Subtitle D standards for municipal solid waste landfills and the Clean Air Act's landfill gas emission rules. California's own stringent environmental laws, such as AB 939 and SB 1383, further mandate waste diversion and methane reduction. The facility likely employs modern landfill gas collection systems to capture methane for energy or flaring, and leachate management systems to protect groundwater. The Palo Alto Landfill and Recycling Center plays a vital role in the community by providing waste disposal and recycling services to the densely populated San Francisco Bay Area. Its location near residential and commercial areas necessitates careful management of traffic, odors, and environmental impacts. The facility contributes to California's circular economy goals by diverting recyclable materials from the landfill, reducing overall waste volumes.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region with a Mediterranean climate and high population density. Key environmental considerations for this landfill include methane leakage from decomposing waste, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and leachate management to prevent groundwater contamination. Proximity to residential communities requires careful control of odors, traffic, and litter. The facility's operations are influenced by California's aggressive waste diversion and climate goals, including methane reduction targets.
Frequently asked questions
The Palo Alto Landfill and Recycling Center is located at 2380 Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto, California, within Santa Clara County.
The facility accepts municipal solid waste and recyclables, operating as both a landfill and recycling center. It handles general household and commercial waste, as well as recyclable materials.
The facility operates under US EPA RCRA Subtitle D standards for municipal solid waste landfills and Clean Air Act landfill gas rules. California state laws, including AB 939 and SB 1383, also apply, mandating waste diversion and methane reduction.
Landfills in California are required to have landfill gas collection systems to capture methane for energy generation or flaring, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Leachate is collected and treated to prevent groundwater contamination, in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The facility provides essential waste disposal and recycling services to the Palo Alto area and the broader San Francisco Bay region. It supports local waste diversion goals and contributes to California's circular economy initiatives.
Other Landfill plants in United States · 6 nearby