EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of El Paso announced a $20 million investment in its waste management infrastructure on Wednesday with the construction of six new cells at the Greater El Paso Landfill.

According to the city, the project, funded by solid waste fees, will span 65 acres at the landfill located at 2600 Darrington Road and is expected to provide the city with space for solid waste disposal for the next 12 years.

While construction of the new landfills involves removing over two million cubic yards of dirt, installing protective liners, and integrating systems to manage liquid byproducts from decomposing waste, completion of the project is slated for 2026.

Nicholas Ybarra, director of the Environmental Services Department, emphasized the importance of the landfill, stating, “The landfill is one of the City’s most valuable assets because efficient solid waste disposal safeguards public health and safety. Everything our residents throw in trash bins at home ends up at a landfill.”

He added, “Constructing new cells shows we are making strategic and financially responsible investments to control costs and manage El Paso’s future solid waste disposal needs.”

The project will be the first time new landfill cells will be constructed since 2018.

According to the city, the landfill receives between 1,500 and 2,000 tons of waste daily from households and businesses within El Paso and nearby communities, including Horizon, Clint, and Fabens.

While hazardous and industrial waste is prohibited in Texas Type 1 landfills, the site is strictly regulated by state and federal agencies to ensure environmental protection.

The landfill operates Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with disposal fees starting at $16 per truckload for waste under one ton.

The city is encouraging residents to help extend landfill capacity by reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling.

RECOMMENDED: El Paso’s free country store offers sustainable solutions for residents

Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.