FY2022

Landfill Replacement Reserve This activity accounts for funds that are assigned for the replacement of closed landfill cells. These activities include acquiring land, land improvements, cell construction and landfill gas infrastructure. Solid Waste Surcharge Reserve This activity accounts for the portion of user fees required by state law to be set aside for environmental protection, waste reduction, and recycling programs. Landfill Assurance Reserves for Closure and Post-Closure Assurance Reserves account for state-mandated set-asides for costs associated with closing the landfill and ongoing maintenance of the closed landfill site in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code, the DNR policies, and other environmental regulations. HIGHLIGHTS • Waste reduction and recycling programs continue to be expanded and improved to reduce natural resource use and long-term reliance on the landfill • A methane feasibility study with the Wastewater Treatment Plant and consultant HDR was completed • The gate replacement project was completed with an updated signage system • Staff is working to increase trash compaction rates and we are seeing improvements • The compost facility’s grinder and screener were replaced; the new grinder arrived the week before the derecho storm and was able to keep up with the material received Recent Accomplishments: • Staff continues to excel in meeting the demands of an ever growing customer base with existing space limitations. The landfill, recycling center, yard waste factiliy and hazardous materials receiving facility regularly see 350 to 400 customers per day and a record high of 555 customers was reached on a single day in September 2020 • Staff continues to expand options and promotion for the proper disposal of hazardous materials, including batteries. The program is seeing continued increase in usage • Landfill Recycling program usage (customers and volumes/weights) continue to growth. Shingles and appliance recycling are seeing the highest growth; the shingles recycling program is minimally subsidized, and the appliance recycling program fully pays for itself Upcoming Challenges: • In the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, landfill tonnages have increased by approximately 7% over tonnage the same quarter in fiscal year 2020, in significant part from debris from the derecho storm in August 2020. This is taking landfill capacity faster than anticipated • Spatial restraints at the landfill limit potential new waste diversion, recycling and composting options • Customer counts continue to increase year after year and the current layout is at capacity

450