Upper Rock Island County LF - East Moline, Illinois Landfill | Solid Waste Management

Upper Rock Island County LF is a landfill facility located in East Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. Owned and operated by Republic Services, Inc., the facility has been operational since 1981 and is scheduled for closure in 2043. As a municipal solid waste landfill, it serves the waste management needs of the surrounding communities in northwestern Illinois. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste landfills, and Clean Air Act regulations for landfill gas emissions. Landfills in Illinois are also subject to state-level environmental permits and monitoring requirements. The landfill likely employs standard practices such as liner systems, leachate collection, and gas management to mitigate environmental impacts. Upper Rock Island County LF plays a key role in regional solid waste management, providing disposal capacity for residential and commercial waste. Its long operational history and projected lifespan indicate a significant infrastructure asset. The facility's location in the Mississippi River valley may influence groundwater monitoring and leachate management practices to protect local water resources.

The landfill is situated in the Mississippi River valley, where groundwater proximity and alluvial soils require careful leachate management to prevent contamination. Landfill gas, primarily methane, is a byproduct of waste decomposition; collection and flaring or energy recovery systems are typically employed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Community proximity and truck traffic are common concerns for landfills in this region, necessitating odor control and traffic management measures.