Overview
Zion Landfill in Zion, Illinois, is an operational landfill owned and operated by GFL Environmental USA Inc. It has been accepting waste since 1975 and is scheduled to close in 2027.
Zion Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill located at 701 Green Bay Road in Zion, Illinois, United States. Operated by GFL Environmental USA Inc., the facility has been in operation since 1975 and is projected to close in 2027. As a landfill, it serves the waste management needs of the surrounding Lake County region. The landfill operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA, including RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste and Clean Air Act regulations for landfill gas management. Typical landfill operations involve waste compaction, daily cover, leachate collection and treatment, and gas extraction systems to control methane emissions. The facility's long operational history suggests it has developed mature infrastructure for environmental monitoring and compliance. Zion Landfill plays a significant role in the local solid waste management system, providing disposal capacity for residential and commercial waste. Its location in a suburban area near Lake Michigan requires careful management of groundwater and air quality impacts. The scheduled closure in 2027 indicates ongoing planning for post-closure care, including long-term leachate management and gas collection.
Environmental context
The landfill is situated in a suburban area near Lake Michigan, where groundwater protection is a key environmental concern. Leachate management systems are critical to prevent contamination of local aquifers. Landfill gas collection and control are also important to mitigate methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Proximity to residential communities requires careful traffic management and odor control to minimize community impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Zion Landfill is located at 701 Green Bay Road in Zion, Illinois, United States.
Zion Landfill is owned and operated by GFL Environmental USA Inc.
Zion Landfill opened in 1975 and is scheduled to close in 2027.
Landfills in the United States are regulated under the EPA's RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste, which sets standards for location, design, operation, and closure. Additionally, the Clean Air Act requires landfill gas collection and control systems for larger landfills.
Typical environmental controls include leachate collection and treatment systems to prevent groundwater contamination, landfill gas extraction systems to capture methane for energy or flaring, and groundwater monitoring wells to detect any potential impacts.
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