Learn About Waste and Resource Management at an Engineering Marvel in Columbus

If you think the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill is just another landfill, think again. Handling over 1.2 million tons of waste annually, this landfill is a hub of innovation, sustainability, and energy recovery. 

Located in Grove City, OH, the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill is operated by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and is a vital part of the region’s waste management system, processing waste from 52 municipalities. It has an impressive scalehouse, tipping face, landfill gas collection system, and more. 

^{The SWANA Team visited Franklin County Sanitary Landfill earlier this year.} 

On weekdays, the landfill receives an average of 5,200 tons and an average of 920 transactions per day, so it’s important to keep operations running smoothly and safely. Safety is of upmost importance, so all visitors are required to wear high-visibility vests and closed-toe shoes. SWACO staff help reinforce this requirement through spot monitoring. Also, SWACO implements strict unloading spacing areas, meaning there are designated unloading areas for like-sized vehicles. Throughout the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill, safety signage is posted to help with speed control and traffic flow management. The SWACO staff members receive monthly safety trainings and complete additional training if any safety violations are witnessed. FireRover, a newer addition to SWACO’s sustainable fire management program, helps detect and put out fires faster and with minimal damage. 

SWACO oversees complex operations while keeping a focus on customer service, environmental responsibility, and efficiency. Its compactors utilize GPS and work carefully to achieve a high compaction ratio. SWACO covers the waste at the tipping face daily with a combination of tarps, a spray-on cementitious material, and soil. For pest control, SWACO works with on-site USDA personnel to help manage wildlife where it should not be present. They also have an odor control system to keep down odors. 

The Gas Collection and Control System consists of over 300 gas extractions wells and miles of underground piping which conveys the gas under vacuum to either Archaea Energy’s High BTU facility for treatment or a destruction flare. The new gas-to-energy project in partnership with Archaea Energy enables the conversion of landfill gas into a natural resource that helps heat approximately 13,386 homes across central Ohio.

The Franklin County Sanitary Landfill's current life expectancy is about 40 years. This is the first landfill in Ohio to receive EPA approval to build above its permitted airspace. The SWACO Engineering and Compliance Department has plans for the remainder of the landfill's life expectancy and plans for the maintenance and oversight of the area after the landfill is closed. 

SWACO just completed construction of 16 acres of final cap cover, an impressive project. The landfill also features pollinator gardens and a safe and functional residential disposal area. Residents may bring municipal solid waste to the landfill. SWACO also encourages residents to utilize their other facilities located off-site for household hazardous waste and hard-to-recycle material collection for items like paint, batteries, appliances, and more. 

The SWACO staff has encountered many surprising and unusual items brought into the landfill over the years, including boats, a training grenade, and even a coffin. When the grenade was discovered, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office safely inspected it and confirmed it was not dangerous. It now serves a new purpose as a paperweight. SWACO also confirmed that the coffin was empty. Another encounter involved the unexpected discovery of a backpack containing money and a firearm, which was immediately turned over to law enforcement. 

SWACO’s goal is to continue educating the public about various aspects of landfill operations. It’s important for the community to understand that the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill is a highly engineered landfill designed to safely contain waste. SWACO’s staff monitors operations around the clock to minimize risk to the landfill, the surrounding community, and the environment. 

While this landfill is a valuable community resource, it is not an indefinite solution for waste disposal because it has limitations. That’s why SWACO also focuses on educating the public about waste diversion and proper disposal techniques. SWACO offers a wide range of resources and programs to businesses, communities, and residents across Central Ohio. 

Don't miss your chance to visit the facility at RCon™!