Field Trips
Photos and Commentary from recent field trips.
August
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July
Our field trip to the infamous Waco landfill was insightful for all in attendance. Justin Havelka from the City of Waco was our guide and started our tour with some interesting facts. Such as over 100 tons of trash is delivered every week, drop offs come not just from McLennan County but other areas as well, estimated time until the landfill closes is 15-17 years. Of course that's assuming there is no population increase, no new businesses or industries using the landfill over that time period.
The landfill has several areas available for those interested in recycling. There are stops for metal, brush and tires. Justin also told us that free mulch is available every day the landfill is open and service providers will load your truck or trailer for you. It is suggested on Saturdays you call ahead to make sure someone is available to help you load up.
The landfill is operated only on the fees it collects from users of the facilty. "No tax dollars" were used for our tour. In addition the methane gas that is generated is now being sold to industry to use as fuel in place of electricity. This is another way to recycle and produce revenue.
Our tour ended with an up close and personal look at the "working face" of the landfill. We were able to observe both commercial and consumer drop off of trash and how it is processed. Justin also introduced us to the fragrance du jour known as "Eau de Landfill". He says it takes the new workers about a month to get used to it. As the day became hotter our tolerance levels dropped and the tour ended.
