Delaware Waste Issues: Cherry Island Landfill and the Citizens Task Force on Solid Waste

In 2005, the Delaware Solid Waste Authority renewed its request to increase the height of the Cherry Island landfill, on the Delaware River in Wilmington, Delaware, this time seeking a much lower height.  The 195’ landfill height limit still will make it by far the highest point on the  River in Delaware.  The Center opposed the expansion for numerous reasons, including procedural inadequacies in the permit application, concerns about the potential for leachate migration, and the air quality impacts of additional landfill gas associated with increased and prolonged dumping.  The permit was ultimately issued by DNREC with significant conditions added, including a yard waste ban and additional recycling requirements for DSWA.  The Center then participated as a member of the Citizens Task Force on Solid Waste, which was formed by non-governmental organizations, citizens and legislators to carefully examine the future of solid waste in Delaware, so that more sustainable options become available.  That work continues and may intensify to resist recent calls in the Delaware General Assembly to repeal the Municipal Waste Incineration ban currently in force.