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Midland Landfill Seeing Increase in Trash, Planning for the Future

More people in Midland means more trash is brought to the landfill and although the landfill's life span is 60 to 70 years, it's never too late to think of an expansion.
By Sylvia Gonzalez
NewsWest 9

MIDLAND - More people in Midland means more trash is brought to the landfill and although the landfill's life span is 60 to 70 years, it's never too late to think of an expansion.

"We are planning just like everybody else. Just adapting to the influx of people and basically watching our neighborhoods trying to see how houses are being built, just taking it from year to year," Morris Williams, Jr., Director of the Solid Waste Department in Midland, said.

Williams says it's not only the increase in the population but the type of jobs that are done in the area.

"It's hard to pinpoint what is actually giving us more trash with the landfill. We are seeing more trash, our tonnage numbers have gone up, but basically you have oilfield sites, you have more wells and they generate trash. It's kind hard to pinpoint," Williams said.

Although the landfill has a long life span, Williams says they are planning for the future one day at a time.

"As we go along and fill up the current landfill, then we will look at how fast it's actually filling up. Of course at this point with that amount of life remaining you wouldn't want to construct a second landfill at this moment, there are several variables that can change over the years," Williams said.

Trash will continue to be picked up twice a week, however Williams wants Midland residents to know they can help reduce some trash in their neighborhoods.

"Make sure you bag your trash that will reduce the litter, close your lids and if there is a problem they can call the Midland Solid Waste Department," Williams said.

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