EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso Environmental Services Department is constructing six new cells at the Greater El Paso Landfill, providing the city with space to dispose of solid waste for the next 12 years.

The project, which comes from a $20 million investment funded by solid waste fees, covers 65 acres at the municipally-owned landfill located at 2600 Darrington Road. It is programmed for completion in 2026, according to the City of El Paso in a news release.

“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,” Environmental Services Department Director Nicholas Ybarra said. “Constructing new cells shows we are making strategic and financially responsible investments to control costs and manage El Paso future solid waste disposal needs.”

According to the City, 1,500 to 2,000 tons of waste from households and businesses is delivered daily to the landfill by municipal and private haulers from within the city limits and surrounding communities, such as Horizon, Clint, and Fabens.

Hazardous and industrial waste are not allowed in Texas Type 1 landfills and must be disposed of through designated disposal sites.

State and federal agencies highly regulate landfill operations and cell construction to ensure environmental protection.

The City last developed new landfill cells in 2018. Constructing new cells requires removing more than two million cubic yards of dirt, installing liners to protect soil and groundwater, and integrating specialized systems to collect and manage liquid byproducts from decomposing waste, according to the news release.

According to the City, residents can help extend landfill capacity by:

Reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling whenever possible.

Bagging waste before placing it in gray trash bins to help prevent windblown litter.

The landfill is open to the public and private haulers from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Disposal fees begin at $16 per truckload for waste weighing less than one ton.

Learn more about the El Paso landfill here.

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