Who operates Little Dixie Landfill?
Little Dixie Landfill is operated by BFI Waste Systems of Mississippi, LLC.
How much waste is accepted daily?
The facility accepts approximately 700 tons of waste per day.
Where does the waste originate?
The waste disposed of at Little Dixie Landfill comes from homes and businesses throughout Madison, Hinds, and Rankin as well as other surrounding counties.
What types of wastes are accepted at the Landfill?
Little Dixie Landfill accepts municipal solid waste, commercial waste and non-hazardous industrial waste. We cannot accept whole tires, batteries, or hazardous wastes.
What environmental protection systems are in place?
There are many environmental protections systems at Little Dixie Landfill, including, but not limited to, the following:
Engineered Landfill Liner System: The liner at the base of the landfill consists of a natural clay liner that is equivalent to and even exceeds the protection of a synthetic liner due to the thickness and impermeability of the clay formation beneath the site. Above the clay liner, the design calls for a sand drainage layer, stone drainage corridors and leachate collection pipes, and two feet of protective cover. All portions of the liner system are thoroughly tested to meet regulations and ensure proper engineering construction standards.
Stormwater Collection: Rainwater, which does not touch any waste, must also be managed appropriately. Stormwater runoff is collected and contained in a detention pond, which allows soil particles to be removed.
Groundwater Monitoring: Little Dixie Landfill assesses groundwater with four individual groundwater monitoring wells. Groundwater samples are collected and analyzed semiannually and reported to the state.
Gas Collection: Once trash is disposed of, it naturally decomposes and produces gas. A landfill gas management system collects gas through a series of pipes and 169 gas wells. The system is monitored in accordance with local, state and federal requirements
Partial Final Capping: Once we bring our elevation to a final grade, we place a final cover over the top to entomb the waste. This cover keeps liquids out and gases in and ensures protection of the environment.
Who permits and inspects the facility?
The facility is fully permitted by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and is the primary agency that provides regulatory permitting, enforcement, and operational compliance oversight. Little Dixie Landfill is inspected semiannually by the MDEQ. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also has regulatory oversight and can inspect the landfill.
Why do we need a landfill?
A landfill provides an environmentally safe and secure location to dispose of solid waste that residents and businesses produce. By keeping these materials contained in a highly engineered, properly managed landfill, we are doing our part to protect the environment and the community.
What additional steps are taken to ensure that the Landfill is a good neighbor?
Proper daily operations are critical to environmentally sound waste disposal. All employees at Little Dixie Landfill are trained to handle incoming waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Access to the site is limited to one entrance/exit. The facility records and tracks waste shipments with gate receipts and a network of video cameras. Each load of incoming waste is visually inspected to ensure that only permitted materials are accepted for disposal. Once unloaded, the waste is visually inspected again. At the end of each working day, a daily cover is placed over the waste. Steps are also taken to control dust, litter and odor. Periodic watering of access roads prevents dust from rising when trucks travel in and out of the landfill. Litter is minimized by limiting the size of the active disposal area, applying daily cover and using fencing on windy days to catch blowing materials. Litter that blows off-site is collected by landfill personnel daily.
How do you control odors?
Landfill gas and odors are controlled with responsible landfill management practices such as waste compaction, applying daily cover per our permit, and the use of an effective landfill gas collection and control system. The landfill gas system is monitored frequently, enhanced regularly and expanded as needed. Landfill personnel also conduct routine off-site odor inspections to detect and manage potential off-site odor.
What is the life expectancy of Little Dixie Landfill?
There is approximately 14 years of disposal capacity remaining at the Landfill, at current disposal volumes.
What will happen once the Little Dixie Landfill stops being used as a landfill?
Once the Landfill is filled to capacity, a final landfill capping system will be installed that consists of an engineered soil liner, cover soils, and a vegetation layer. The site will also be maintained for at least 30 years in post-closure care after the final closure. This care includes continued groundwater monitoring, leachate management, and compliance reporting until such time regulators approve the site for final closure.