The Janesville Landfill is a municipal and nonhazardous waste facility serving residents and businesses in and around Janesville, Wisconsin. This site receives solid waste, manages daily cover, operates on engineered cells, and complies with state and federal rules. Below is a verified, practical profile focused on location, permitted materials, odor and traffic controls, closure plans, and current status.
Location and Service Area
The landfill is situated on the northern edge of Janesville in Rock County, Wisconsin, near the intersection of County Road Y and Highway 14. It primarily handles municipal solid waste from the City of Janesville, Rock County, and selected neighboring communities. The site is designed for nonhazardous disposal and is not used for medical waste or industrial hazardous wastes.
Permitted Materials and Acceptance Policies
Accepted materials at the Janesville Landfill include household garbage, yard waste, clean soil, concrete, asphalt, and nonhazardous commercial waste. Prohibited items typically include hazardous waste, tires, electronics, and asbestos, in line with Wisconsin DNR rules. Loads are weighed at the scale house, and unloading occurs only in assigned compacted cells.
Acceptance Categories
- Household municipal solid waste from residents
- Yard waste and clean fill
- Concrete, brick, and clean construction debris
- Nonhazardous commercial waste
Restricted and Prohibited Materials
- Hazardous waste and liquids
- Tires and electronic waste
- Asbestos and treated wood
- Medical and infectious waste
Daily Operations and Landfill Cells
Waste is delivered by municipal and contract haulers, weighed, and spread in thin layers within designated cells. Each cell is compacted and covered daily with soil or alternative daily cover (ADC) to control odors, vectors, and blowing litter. Leachate is collected in the base liner system and directed to on‑site storage and treatment or trucked off‑site for permitted discharge.
Key Operational Practices
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical daily cover | Soil or approved ADC | Operations Manual |
| Leachate management | Collection and off‑site treatment | Permit Documentation |
| Cell progression | Sequential use and interim caps | Site Maps |
| Odor and vector controls | ADC, timely compaction, inspections | Operations Log |
Odor, Traffic, and Neighbor Impacts
Odor control relies on prompt burial, ADC, and routine inspections. Traffic is limited to permitted routes and hours; signage notifies drivers of access restrictions. Setback distances and vegetative buffers reduce impacts on nearby properties. Complaints are handled through a documented call‑log and response protocol aligned with city and county noise and nuisance ordinances.
Regulation and Permitting
The landfill operates under a Wisconsin DNR Solid Waste Facility Permit and meets U.S. EPA Subtitle D requirements. Regular inspections cover leachate monitoring, boundary screening, and daily cover adequacy. Any expansions or major changes require public notice and additional permitting, with opportunities for community input.
Compliance Highlights
- Routine groundwater monitoring
- Quarterly inspections by regulators
- Recordkeeping and public reporting
- Corrective action plans when thresholds are exceeded
Closure, Postclosure, and Land Use Planning
When the landfill reaches capacity, the operator must follow a closure plan that includes final grading, soil cover, and long‑term maintenance of the cap. Postclosure care typically spans 30 years, with ongoing monitoring of leachate and gas. Contingency plans address future reuse or limited community open space while maintaining environmental safeguards.
Current Status and Public Information
As of the most recent available reports, the Janesville Landfill remains in permitted operation with no open enforcement actions. Public updates are provided through city council briefings, annual reports, and the Wisconsin DNR portal. Residents can access current data on permitting, inspection results, and upcoming meetings via official city and county channels.