At its Thursday meeting, the Ontario County Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved two resolutions that will shape the future of solid waste management in Ontario County.
The first resolution memorializes the commitment to close the Ontario County landfill by December 31, 2028, when the current operations and management lease agreement expires. The second resolution instructs the County’s Department of Sustainability and Solid Waste Management to identify viable strategies for achieving the county’s solid waste goals, emphasizing increased waste diversion and advancing sustainability.
“This decision to close the landfill reflects the Board of Supervisors’ commitment to Ontario County’s long-term environmental and community well-being,” said Ontario County Board Chairman Todd Campbell. “While it marks the end of an era, it also opens the door to innovative and sustainable waste management solutions that reduce our reliance on landfilling going forward.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Waste Management
Earlier this year, the BOS shared the findings of an 18-month study of the county’s solid waste management. The Landfill Alternatives Analysis Report, prepared by national solid waste and landfill management specialists MSW Consultants, examined multiple scenarios for managing the county’s residential waste after 2028, including closing the landfill, expanding the current landfill, siting a new landfill, and strategies to haul waste to sites outside Ontario County.
The report’s findings were presented during a series of community meetings, where residents were invited to provide input on the future of waste management in Ontario County. This feedback, combined with additional comments collected via a dedicated website, has been instrumental in shaping the Board’s decision-making process.
The Landfill’s 50-Year History
Ontario County’s landfill, located along Routes 5 and 20 in the Town of Seneca, has operated since 1974. Since 2003, Casella Waste Systems has managed landfill operations and the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) under a 25-year lease agreement.
“Closing the landfill is not the end but the beginning of a transformation in how we handle waste responsibly,” added Campbell. “The Board’s decision demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that balances environmental stewardship with the county’s ongoing waste management needs.”
