Q. Where does the trash come from that ends up at the Williamson County Landfill?

A. The vast majority of the waste received at the Williamson County Landfill is generated from Williamson County.

Q. Can a resident bring debris to the landfill or is it only available for customers with business contracts with the landfill?

A. Individuals can bring debris to the Williamson County Landfill during business hours. The landfill is open for public disposal from Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. The landfill is closed on Sundays.

Q. What is not permitted for disposal at the landfill?

A. The landfill does not accept batteries, liquids, household chemicals, paint, motor oil, used oil filters, florescent light bulbs, or other hazardous materials. Tires are collected and recycled for a fee.

Appliances can be disposed of at the Recycling Center and landfill; however, refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners must have the Freon removed by a certified technician and officially designated as Freon-free before they can be accepted. There is no fee to dispose of appliances at the Recycling Center. Go to Contact Us page for fee information.

Q. Is there a fee to dispose of debris at the landfill? Does the landfill accept credit cards?

A. Yes. Disposal fees depend on the size of the load. Go to Contact Us page for fee information.

Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

Q. Is there anything I should know when bringing debris to the landfill?

A. Yes, the Texas Transportation Code, as well as Waste Management, requires vehicles be properly equipped to prevent loose material from escaping by blowing or spilling. Please make sure your truck or trailer is securely tarped to prevent "accidental" litter. Also, make sure there are no holes or cracks in your truck or trailer bed.

Q. What safeguards are in place at the Williamson County Landfill to protect the groundwater?

A. Protecting groundwater is a very important part of our business. It is included in all phases of development, from the initial planning, through the permitting process, during operations and even after closure.

To protect groundwater at the landfill, we use a composite liner system that consists of several layers of synthetic materials and natural soils. We maintain a series of groundwater monitoring wells around the perimeter of the landfill. Each well is monitored semi-annually to make sure the groundwater remains unaffected. The samples are tested by a certified independent laboratory and reviewed by qualified personnel. The laboratory results are submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Q. Who inspects and monitors the Williamson County Landfill?

A. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the primary regulatory agency. TCEQ reviews and issues operating permits for waste disposal and oversees all of the daily operations.

Periodically, TCEQ inspectors arrive unannounced at the Williamson County Landfill. Upon the inspector's arrival, the landfill is required to provide any environmental information requested. The TCEQ inspector reviews and inspects landfill operations, including the waste disposal area, weigh station, leachate system, and record-keeping.

In addition, Waste Management conducts self-inspections. Our company-wide Environmental Compliance program mandates routine inspection of each function of the landfill operations. Where applicable, independent monitoring and laboratory testing is performed by approved third-party companies and is submitted to the TCEQ.

Waste Management also has a full-time compliance manager who oversees the environmental protection systems at the landfill and fulfills state record-keeping and reporting requirements. At the landfill itself, there is a management team, licensed by TCEQ, with responsibility for daily operations.

Q. How does the Williamson County Landfill help the community?

A. We help by collecting and disposing of the waste generated in the community in a safe and proper manner. Remember, on average, a Texas resident generates more than 7.3 pounds of trash every day. With a population of more than 290,000, Williamson County residents and businesses generate, on average, more than 1,000 tons of waste every day. By safely managing waste, we improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods we serve.

We hire locally - Williamson County employees work, live and raise their families in this area. When we invest in local employees, they reinvest in the local economy as homeowners, shoppers and taxpayers. We also contribute directly to the local tax base through corporate, real estate and payroll taxes.

Throughout the year, we provide financial and in-kind support to various community groups and causes.

Q. Why is the expansion needed now?

A. Williamson County continues to be one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas and it's important to ensure we have the appropriate infrastructure in place to accommodate such growth. The expansion is part of the Commissioner Court's long-term plan to provide environmentally safe and affordable waste disposal for its residents and businesses.

Q. How will the expansion impact neighbors?

A. The expansion is designed to minimize adverse impacts on neighbors. The property for the expansion is immediately adjacent to the current landfill and was purchased in the mid-1990s specifically for this use. There will be sufficient acres of buffer area around the landfill.

The Williamson County Landfill is operated safely and in compliance with state and federal environmental laws. Waste Management will continue to meet or exceed state and federal environmental protections.

Q. Will the expansion impact Mustang Creek?

A. Mustang Creek is located south of the landfill property and will not be included in the expansion. Uncontaminated storm water will be controlled and routed into storm water detention ponds before discharge to Mustang Creek within authorized limits.

Q. Does the landfill impact drinking water?

A. The landfill and the expansion area are not over any existing public water sources used for drinking water.

Q. Will the expansion mean more truck traffic?

A. Preliminary studies of traffic patterns with the expansion suggests there should be minimal impact because FM 1660 is being re-routed east of the City of Hutto and Chandler Road is being built along the south boundary of the landfill, away from existing subdivisions.

Q. With the expansion, how large will the Williamson County Landfill be?

A. The landfill footprint, with the expansion, will consist of approximately 425 acres, but at any one time, only 10-15 acres will be "active" areas receiving trash. As landfill units are filled to capacity, they are capped and closed and then seeded with grass. The Williamson County Landfill will be of similar size to many landfills, but certainly will not be the largest.

Q. Under the expansion plans, how tall would be the landfill be?

A. The existing landfill is currently 70 feet above ground. The TCEQ rules require that all landfills have sufficient slope to promote drainage for proper management and control of storm water runoff. As a result, some sections of the expansion area will be approximately 150 feet high, with the average height likely to be around 100 feet.

Q. Does Williamson County encourage recycling?

A. Absolutely. The landfill presently separates and reuses wood and brush waste and Williamson County Commissioners recently approved the construction of a recycling center at the entrance of the landfill facility, expected to open sometime in 2005.