Who owns and operates Tower Landfill?
Tower Landfill is owned and operated by Allied Waste Systems of Colorado, LLC — an affiliate of Republic Services.
How much waste is accepted daily?
The facility is permitted to accept approximately 10,000 tons of waste daily.
Where does the waste originate?
The waste disposed of at Tower Landfill is generated at homes and businesses from all across the Denver metro area.
What types of wastes are accepted at the Landfill?
Tower Landfill accepts municipal solid waste, commercial waste and non-hazardous industrial waste. We cannot accept refrigerators, tires, electronic equipment, used oil, lead-acid batteries, or hazardous wastes.
What environmental protection systems are in place?
There are many environmental protection systems at Tower Landfill, including but not limited to, the following:
Engineered Landfill Liner System: The liner at the base of the landfill consists of a recompacted clay liner, a leachate collection layer and a leachate recovery system. All of the liners are thoroughly tested to ensure state and federal requirements are met, and to ensure proper engineering and construction standards.
Stormwater Collection: Rainwater must also be managed appropriately. Storm water runoff is collected and contained in a detention pond, which allows soil particles to be removed.
Groundwater Monitoring: Tower Landfill assesses groundwater with 11 individual groundwater monitoring wells. Groundwater samples are collected and analyzed on a semi-annual basis and reported to the state.
Gas collection: Once trash is disposed of, it naturally decomposes and produces gas. A landfill gas management system collects gas through a series of pipes and 87 gas wells. The system is monitored in accordance with local, state and federal requirements.
Final Capping: Once we bring our elevation to final grade, we place a final cover over the top to entomb the waste. This cover keeps liquids out and gases in and ensures protection of the environment.
Who permits and inspects the facility?
The facility is fully permitted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), which is the primary agency that provides the regulatory permitting, enforcement, and operational compliance oversight. Tower Landfill is inspected quarterly by CDPHE and/or TCHD.
Why do we need a landfill?
The residents and businesses in our area generate thousands of tons of municipal solid waste on a daily basis, some of which can’t be recycled. Tower Landfill serves as one outlet for proper disposal for this waste.
Is the Landfill really important to our community?
The Landfill is an integral part of the local economy and infrastructure. It provides jobs for local residents and affordable, responsible waste disposal options for residents and businesses.
What additional steps are taken to ensure that the Landfill is a good neighbor?
Proper daily operations are critical to environmentally sound waste disposal. All employees at Tower Landfill are trained to handle incoming waste in the most environmentally responsible manner. Access to the site is limited to one entrance/exit. The facility records and tracks all waste shipments with gate receipts and a network of video cameras. Each load of incoming waste is visually inspected to ensure that only permitted materials are accepted for disposal. Once unloaded, the waste is visually inspected again. As waste filling progresses, a cover is placed over the waste. Steps are also taken to control dust, litter and odor. Periodic watering of access roads prevents dust from rising when trucks travel in and out of the landfill. Litter is minimized by limiting the size of the active disposal area, applying daily cover and using fencing on windy days to catch blowing materials. Any litter that blows off-site is collected by landfill personnel.
How do you control odors?
Landfill gas and odors are controlled with responsible landfill management practices such as waste compaction, applying soil cover per our permit, and the use of an effective landfill gas collection and control system, which includes 87 individual landfill gas wells. The landfill gas system is monitored frequently, enhanced regularly and expanded as needed. Landfill personnel also conduct routine off-site odor inspections to detect and manage potential off-site odor.
How do you control birds at the Landfill?
Birds are controlled primarily by utilizing daily or alternate daily cover to make the facility less desirable to them. However, when they are present, we utilize humane “whistlers” in an effort to make the landfill a less desirable congregation area. We work with USDA in conjunction with DEN to monitor birds in the area.
What is the life expectancy of the Landfill?
There is capacity for approximately 22 more years of disposal at current disposal rates.
What happens once the Tower Landfill stops being used as a landfill?
Once the Landfill is filled to capacity, a final landfill capping system will be installed that consists of a thick soil liner, topsoil and a vegetation layer. The site will also be maintained for an additional 30 years in post-closure care after the final closure. This care includes continued groundwater monitoring, leachate management, and compliance reporting until such time regulators approve the site for final closure.
When is the Landfill open for business?
Tower Landfill is open Monday at 5:00 am and operates continuously through Saturday at 3:00 pm. The Landfill is closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Can I take a tour of the Landfill?
Yes, landfill tours are offered. Please call (303) 371-5115 or complete the Tour Request Form to arrange a time for a group tour.