Locations
Click on a solid waste location below to expand in depth details about that location, or download the Disposal Sites Hours & Information Flyer for a quick overview of locations, hours and contact information.
NOTE: Sunday Closures
In 2016 the Kenai Peninsula Borough began closing Sundays from October through April each year as a cost savings measure. The sites affected are:
- Homer, Seward, Kenai, Nikiski, and Sterling Transfer Facilities
- Kasilof Transfer Site
In 2023 the KPB Mayor & Assembly decided to re-open CPL on Sundays. All other sites remain closed.
Administrative Office
Administrative Office
(907) 262-9667
47140 E Poppy Ln, Soldotna, AK 99669
Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Closed all major holidays
Central Peninsula Landfill
CENTRAL PENINSULA LANDFILL (CPL)
OPERATING HOURS
See our 'About Us' page, 'All Solid Waste Sites Locations, Contact Information & Hours'
NOTE: The CD/Metals Cell, Reuse Area, Lined Cell, & Brush Pile close at 5:30 pm - NO EXCEPTIONS
Location & Permits
The CPL is a Class I Landfill located at Mile 98.5 Sterling Highway, 2.5 miles south of Soldotna, in Sec. 12 and 13, T4N, R11W, S.M., AK. The CPL is required by ADEC regulations to have multiple permits: Solid Waste Disposal and AK Pollution, Discharge & Elimination.
Background
The landfill was established in 1969 and operated by the City of Soldotna until 1974 when the Borough assumed solid waste control. In 1990 the Borough Assembly adopted a Resolution designating the site as a regional landfill. Shortly thereafter, properties adjacent to the existing landfill were acquired to assure that a development and operational area would be available for at least thirty years. Subsequently, the Kenai and Seward Landfills closed, Transfer Facilities were upgraded and waste from all areas along the road system (except Homer) was routed to Soldotna.
The construction of a 13,000 square foot baling facility along with major site improvements were completed in 1992. The first of a series of lined landfill cells was constructed in 2005. Operations transitioned from baling to loose fill of MSW in the first lined cell. The original landfill area reached capacity in 2006. It was closed with a geosynthetic clay liner and geocomposite, topsoil and seeded in 2007.
Leachate management has occurred through on-site recirculation and off-site disposal at the Cities of Kenai and Homer wastewater treatment plants. A long-term solution for leachate management has been identified as evaporation through a leachate evaporation system. The design phase was completed in 2013 with construction planned for 2014.
CPL serves all municipalities and unincorporated communities located on the Kenai Peninsula road system. An estimated 98% of the Borough population is served by this landfill.
Construction
Federal and State regulations require liner installation and extensive environmental controls with any new or expanded landfill. To address these requirements, improvements were constructed at the CPL from 2003-2011. $12,000,000 in General Obligation Bonds funded the construction in 2 Phases for two cells.
Phase 1 began in the summer of 2003 and was completed in October 2005. This phase included the construction of the 9.3 acre Cell 1 with a bottom liner of geosynthetic clay overlain with a high density polyethylene liner. Related improvements included leachate and gas collection systems; leachate lagoon and tank; leachate loading station; stormwater collection and sediment lagoon; and mechanical/pump building. Other general improvements included extensive fencing, parking pads and roads.
Phase 2 began in October of 2010 and was completed in the fall of 2011. This phase included the construction of the 4.88 acre Cell 2 similar to that for Cell 1. Related improvements included the installation of heat trace to the leachate collection and recirculation systems. The sediment lagoon was enlarged to accommodate storm water discharge for Cells 1, 2 and future Cell 3. Cell 2 is anticipated to be brought on line in 2014.
Each landfill cell has a useable capacity of approximately five years, so a new lined cell will need to be planned, funded and constructed approximately once every five years for the next 30-50 years. Although the useable life of each cell is only about five years, the associated leachate collection and treatment facilities will be in use for a much longer period.
In June 2013 the Borough received approximately $3,500,000 from a State of Alaska Legislative Grant for design and construction of a thermal leachate evaporation system. Construction includes site civil work, purchase of the evaporation unit, construction of a metal structure to house the unit and all associated utility connections.
Operations
The Borough had hired private contractors for operations since 1974. However, factors including increasing contract costs, limited contract competition, and costs for additional services to address changed/modified work made contracting the Borough's primary solid waste responsibility increasingly impractical. Regulatory changes requiring continual program modifications, extensive work requirements and liabilities due to the new lined landfill, and leachate and gas management systems also were major factors in making the final decision for a Borough-run facility.
On January 1, 2005, the Borough commenced operations of the CPL after a long and lengthy evaluation. Eleven Borough employees were hired to replace the previously contracted positions and work has been conducted more efficiently and effectively ever since. Borough provided landfill staff are able to perform more core operations, construct improvements, monitor the old landfill closure, assist with other solid waste programs and work at other Borough facilities as ever-changing needs arise.
The public deposits MSW onto the tipping floor or into the nearby recycle bins. Commercial haulers deposit their loads directly into the lined landfill. Large and other types of waste accepted daily at CPL include animal carcasses, appliances, Construction Demolition (C/D), junk vehicles, Landscaping and Wood (L/W), metals, etc. The recyclables are baled and placed in a staging location for transport to market.
Cell 1 & Leachate Management - Waste is deposited into the lined cell, compacted and covered. Leachate is managed and monitored through the leachate collection system where leachate is generally collected, temporarily held in the tank then recirculated back through the waste. This type of management accelerates decomposition providing more space for more waste and significantly reduces the need for the costly hauling of excess leachate to a wastewater treatment plant for disposal. To further cost effectively manage the excess leachate a State of Alaska Legislative Grant was secured for the purchase and installation of a thermal leachate evaporation system. This system will keep the leachate entirely out of the aquatic environment and will ultimately utilize the landfill gas as an alternative fuel source. Site development began in the fall of 2013 with a targeted completion for 2014.
Recycling and Other Waste Materials - The current recycling program is based on voluntary public participation and diverts as much material as possible from burial. Additionally, C/D, L/W, scrap metal and other materials not requiring burial in a lined cell are managed in separate areas of the site. Asbestos requires special Borough permitting and is only accepted at CPL where it is buried in a separate cell.
Operational hours are seven days a week 8:00 A.M. to 5:45 P.M. The CD/Metals Cell, Reuse Area, Lined Cell, & Brush Pile close at 5:30 pm - NO EXCEPTIONS. Exceptions to days of the week hours are closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The estimated annual tonnage is 48,000 to 58,000 tons (16 to 400 tons/day).
Permitting
ADEC Solid Waste Disposal Permit
18 AAC 60 Solid Waste Management regulations require MSW landfills be designed, built and operated to minimize health and safety threats, pollution and nuisances and operated in compliance with a comprehensive permit. The permit period is for five years and the application process includes drawings, documents and plans demonstrating the applicant meets all applicable standards pertaining to location, design, operations, monitoring, closure and post-closure, and financial assurance. An annual facility fee of $6,500 applies to each Class I landfill.
ADEC Solid Waste RD&D Permit - As of 2023, we no longer have this permit.
18 AAC 60 Solid Waste Management regulations require a permitted Class I MSW landfill with a liner and a leachate recirculation system be operated in compliance with a comprehensive RD&D permit in addition to the solid waste disposal permit. The permit period is for three years and the application process includes preparation of a detailed research plan with project goals and quantitative methods to measure progress, contingency and monitoring plans. This particular permit requires submission of comprehensive progress reports every six months. An ADEC hourly fee of $49 applies to any activity associated with this permit including a permit application evaluation and semi-annual report review. This permit requires ongoing commitment by SWD staff for significant daily recordkeeping associated with all operating systems – landfill cover, weather station, waste disposal, leachate management and heavy equipment. Compliance with this permit is a 24/7 operation with leachate management often demanding resources beyond the standard operating day.
ADEC Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) Multi-Sector General Permit ADEC APDES Program regulations require a permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity that includes Sector L, Landfills. The CPL is covered under a Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) which requires submission of a Notice of Intent to ADEC and compliance with a site specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The permit period is five years. This permit requires additional monitoring separate from other permits, regular recordkeeping, and, at a minimum, annual filing with ADEC throughout the permit period.
Hazardous Waste
Fluorescent bulbs, lead acid and household batteries, and used oil are accepted daily. Refrigerators and freezers are stockpiled in a designated area until they are drained of all refrigerants. HWCP events are conducted periodically throughout the year by the Borough's hazardous waste management contractor who manages the event and ships the waste out of Alaska for management.
Recycling
CPL has an extensive voluntary recycling program. Collection containers are set up outside the public household waste drop off area for convenient disposal. These materials include: PETE #1 and HDPE #2 plastics, aluminum cans, glass, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, newspaper, and tin. Scrap metals including copper, iron and junk vehicles are stockpiled in a designated area away from the general public use area.
A solid waste baler is used to compact the recyclables (except the glass and scrap metal) prior to shipment to market. The Borough contracts with a local hauler to truck the recyclable bales to a firm in Anchorage who then pays the Borough per tonnage of recyclables received. Scrap metal is stored on site and a local scrap and salvage company periodically collects and hauls it away for marketing.
Since it is not practical or cost effective to transport glass great distances for recycling, and because there is a beneficial use locally, the CPL has utilized the glass collected for CPL road projects as a sub-base and drainage material. Borough personnel continue to research alternative local reuse of glass.
Monitoring
Environmental monitoring programs are in place for groundwater, surface water and landfill gas. Nine groundwater monitoring wells surrounding the facility are sampled four times per year and nearby Arc Lake is sampled annually. Methane gas monitoring is conducted quarterly. Environmental monitoring for waste stabilization and settlement associated with the lined cell is also periodically performed. Per ADEC regulations, a geotechnical stability analysis of the waste mass is performed annually.
Disposal Fees
CPL has scales and charges fees to both household and commercial vehicles for specific waste items based on tonnage or by the foot. Fees also apply to the hazardous waste management of CESQG waste. Households are not charged fees for most materials but each vehicle is weighed both on the inbound and outbound scales for waste tracking and reporting purposes.
Monofill/Transfer Facility - Homer
HOMER MONOFILL/TRANSFER FACILITY (HMF/TF)
OPERATING HOURS
See Disposal Sites Hours & Information Flyer for the most up-to-date operating hours.
Location & Permits
The HMF/TF is located at Mile 169.3 Sterling Highway, 3.5 miles northwest of downtown Homer in Sec. 15, T6S, R14W, S.M., AK. The Monofill is required by ADEC regulations to have multiple permits: Inert Waste Permit SWZA011-23 (expires in September 2023); AK Pollution, Discharge & Elimination Permit AKR06AA70 (expires in March 2025). No ADEC permit is required to operate the Transfer Facility portion.
Background
The site was established by the KPB in 1979 as a landfill and converted to a baling facility in 1983. Site specific studies in the 1990’s identified several long term alternatives for waste management in the Homer area. The KPB determined that landfill closure, construction of a transfer facility, and transfer of MSW to the Central Peninsula Landfill (CPL) for burial with daily operations contracted out was the best long term plan for waste management from this area. Groundwater quality concerns identified in 2010, necessitated by the ADEC permit, confirmed the KPB’s decision. The baling facility was closed in August 2013 and the HMF/TF began operating.
The site sits on roughly 90 acres of KPB owned land, 45 of which are associated with the closed landfill, HMF/TF and buffer property. It serves a population of approximately 10,000 residents of the southern Peninsula from Anchor Point to all communities along Kachemak Bay.
Construction
In June 2011 the baling facility received approximately $9,000,000 from a State of Alaska Legislative Grant for design and construction of the transfer facility. Construction included site civil work and construction of a 9,600 square foot transfer building with a waste tipping area, transfer trailer bay, administrative space, a partially paved parking and driving area, and a commercial weigh scale for disposers of chargeable waste streams. Construction was completed in July 2013 and the facility opened in August 2013.
The facility also includes features that were a carryover from the Baling Facility operations including a recycle tent, recycling storage/baler building (formerly used to bale MSW and recyclables but is now used exclusively for recyclables), a used oil collection tank, a hazardous waste storage container, an equipment maintenance building, and stockpile and burial areas. A salvage tent was constructed in spring 2014. No contracted construction was required for the monofill since the areas to be utilized were already well established.
Operations
An Operator under contract with the KPB operates the transfer facility and monofill concurrently. The Operator is responsible for supplying the equipment, manpower, and supplies necessary to perform all operation and maintenance duties of the facility in a safe and orderly manner. Contract services include, but are not limited to, monitoring activities during operating hours, inert waste and recyclables management, screening incoming waste, waste transfer to the CPL, baler operations, conducting litter cleanup, snow removal, and access road maintenance. The contract duration is five years with three renewal options of one year, all of which are subject to contract compliance, the agreement of both parties, and annual approval of funding.
Waste Segregation
One of the many facets to managing waste is the proper disposal and handling of a wide variety of materials. Because not all materials are managed in the same way, it is important to separate them into categories, each with its own disposal location.
Tipping Floor: MSW
Both public and commercial haulers deposit MSW onto the tipping floor of the transfer building where it is loaded into a transfer trailer and ultimately hauled to the CPL. The Operator screens the incoming waste prior to loading the transfer trailer and segregates materials not suitable for burial in the lined cell at the CPL. Types of materials accepted include animal carcasses, electronics, fish waste, kitchen trash, small quantities of lawn clippings and leaves, etc.
Inert Waste Monofill: C/D, Metals & Woody Debris/Brush
Inert waste is segregated into these three separate piles. The C/D is currently being placed over the existing footprint of the former landfill that was not filled to capacity at the time of transition to a transfer facility. An estimated 9,000 cubic yards is consumed annually in the C/D cell with a projected life of 20-30 more years.
*C/D: Both the public and commercial haulers deposit this waste stream directly into an unlined cell where it is ultimately compacted and buried. Types of materials accepted include inert waste such as building materials, concrete, dry wall, furniture, roofing material, tires, treated wood/lumber products, etc.
*Metals: Accepted materials include appliances, copper, iron, tanks, etc. Items with engines must have all fluids drained and gas tanks and batteries removed (if applicable) prior to disposal. Refrigerators and freezers are placed in the C/D cell after refrigerants are removed. The removal and hauling of this waste stream is the sole responsibility of the Operator.
*Woody Debris/Brush: Also known as the ‘brush pile,’ the stockpiled material is periodically burned, which saves space for this waste stream from burial. Accepted materials include branches, Christmas trees, large quantities of un-bagged grass clippings and leaves, untreated lumber without nails or hardware, etc.
Recycling Containers
Collection bins are set up in a large tent across the parking lot from the baler building for convenient public disposal. Accepted materials include aluminum cans, glass, newspaper, PETE #1 twist top containers and HDPE #2 plastics, and tin. Corrugated cardboard and mixed paper are collected in the baler building. The onsite management of recyclables, including shipment to market, is the sole responsibility of the Operator.
Similar to the CPL, glass is crushed and reused onsite for building roads and as a cover and drainage material. This saves money that would otherwise go towards purchasing gravel for these types of projects and saves space in the transfer trailer, which saves on hauling costs to Soldotna.
Hazardous & Misc. Waste
Fluorescent bulbs, used oil, and lead acid and household batteries are accepted daily. The KPB contracts out used oil management hauling while the lead acid batteries are periodically picked up by a local battery recycling company. The onsite management of fluorescent bulbs is the sole responsibility of the Operator.
Four HWCE are conducted throughout the year by the KPB’s hazardous waste management contractor who manages the events and ships the waste out of Alaska for management.
Disposal Fees
HMF/TF has one commercial disposer scale which is located on a separate access road from that of public access. Currently, scale charges for specific waste items are limited to a small number of large commercial vehicles while smaller commercial vehicles with more than five cubic yards are charged by volume. A future goal is that all commercial vehicles be charged by the tonnage. Both large and small commercial jobs have a 250 cubic yard limit per job. Households are charged for specific items.
Fees apply to hazardous waste management from businesses that generate very small quantities of this waste stream; households are free.
Permits
ADEC Solid Waste Disposal Permit – SWZA011-23
18 AAC 60 Solid Waste Management regulations require inert waste monofills be managed and operated in accordance with all applicable permits and regulations. The permit period is for five years and the application process includes drawings, documents, and plans demonstrating the applicant meets all applicable standards pertaining to location, design, operations, monitoring, closure, and post-closure, and financial assurance.
ADEC Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Multi-Sector General Permit – AKR06GB56
ADEC regulations require a permit for storm water discharges associated with industrial activity that includes the industrial activity category Sector L-Landfills. The HMF/TF is covered under a Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) which requires submission of a Notice of Intent to ADEC and compliance with a site specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The permit period is five years. This permit requires additional monitoring separate from other permits, regular recordkeeping, and, at a minimum, annual filing with ADEC throughout the permit period.
Environmental Monitoring
A KPB contractor samples seven groundwater monitoring wells around the site perimeter biannually and surface water from Diamond Creek annually, both in accordance with the ADEC permit. Landfill gas monitoring including methane, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, is conducted quarterly by SWD staff.
Monofill/Transfer Facility - Seward
SEWARD MONOFILL/TRANSFER FACILITY (SMF/TF)
OPERATING HOURS
See our 'About Us' page, 'All Solid Waste Sites Locations, Contact Information & Hours'
Location
The SMF/TF is located at 3200 Dimond Blvd., 3 miles north of downtown Seward, in the NE ¼ of Sec. 28, T1N, R1E, S.M., AK. The current ADEC Inert Waste Permit, SWZA031-22, expires in April 2022. No ADEC permit is required to operate the transfer facility.
Background
The site was established by the City of Seward and operated as an open dump for many years. The KPB assumed site operations in 1974 and operated it as the Seward Landfill. Due to space limitations, in 1991 it was determined that the landfill should be relocated. Several locations were considered but all were either publicly opposed to or not suitable for landfill use. It was ultimately deemed the best course of action to close the landfill, open a transfer facility, and haul the MSW to the Central Peninsula Landfill (CPL) with daily operations contracted out. Initially, the majority of inert waste was hauled from Seward to the CPL but this soon proved too costly. The monofill began operating in 1997 as a cost effective alternative.
The site sits on a 10-acre KPB owned parcel and includes the closed landfill, SMF/TF, and buffer property. It serves about 5,000 year round residents from Seward to Moose Pass along with numerous summer fishing businesses and cruise ships.
Construction
In 1990 funding was appropriated through State of Alaska and ADEC Grants and KPB General Obligation Bonds to close out the old landfill and build a transfer facility. Construction consisted of a 6,000 square foot transfer building with a waste tipping area, a trailer bay, administrative space, a recycling room, a used oil collection tank, a hazardous waste storage container, a waste water evaporator and evaporator shed, a storage shed, a partially paved parking and driving areas, and stockpile and burial areas. The facility opened in 1992. No contracted construction was required for the monofill since the areas to be utilized were already well established.
The monofill is located along the edge of the Resurrection River in an area with a high water table and highly permeable soils. A dike was constructed along the river in 1979 and a 1,200-foot extension added in 1991 to protect the closed landfill from flooding during heavy rains.
Operations
An Operator under contract with the KPB operates the transfer facility and monofill concurrently. The Operator is responsible for supplying the equipment, manpower, and supplies necessary to perform all operation and maintenance duties of the facility in a safe and orderly manner. Contract services include, but are not limited to, monitoring activities during operating hours, inert waste and recyclables management, screening incoming waste, waste transfer to the CPL, conducting litter cleanup, snow removal, and access road maintenance. The contract duration is five years with a renewal option of three years, which is subject to contract compliance, the agreement of both parties, and annual approval of funding.
Waste Segregation
One of the many facets to managing waste is the proper disposal and handling of a wide variety of materials. Because not all materials are managed in the same way, it is important to separate them into categories, each with its own disposal location.
Tipping Floor: MSW
Both public and commercial haulers deposit MSW onto the tipping floor of the transfer building where it is loaded into a transfer trailer and ultimately hauled to the CPL. The Operator screens the incoming waste prior to loading the transfer trailer and segregates materials not suitable for burial in the lined cell at the CPL. Types of materials accepted include animal carcasses, electronics, fish waste, kitchen trash, small quantities of lawn clippings and leaves, etc. An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 tons of MSW are transported to the CPL each year.
Inert Waste Monofill: C/D, Metals & Woody Debris/Brush
Inert waste is segregated in these three separate piles. An estimated 3,100 cubic yards is consumed annually in the C/D cell with a projected life of 25 more years.
*C/D: Both the public and commercial haulers deposit this waste stream directly into an unlined cell where it is ultimately compacted and buried. Types of materials accepted include inert waste such as building materials, concrete, dry wall, furniture, roofing material, tires, treated wood, etc.
*Metals: Accepted materials include appliances, automobiles, copper, iron, tanks, etc. Items with engines must have all fluids drained and gas tanks and batteries removed (if applicable) prior to disposal. Refrigerators and freezers are either placed in the C/D cell or stockpiled with other metals and shipped to recycle markets after refrigerants are removed. The removal and hauling of this waste stream is the sole responsibility of the Operator.
*Woody Debris/Brush: Also known as the ‘brush pile,’ the stockpiled material is periodically burned, which saves space for this waste stream from burial. Accepted materials include branches, Christmas trees, large quantities of un-bagged grass clippings and leaves, tree stumps (see site attendant), untreated lumber without nails or hardware, etc.
Recycling Containers
The SMF/TF has containers located outside the baler building for collecting aluminum cans, corrugated cardboard, container glass, mixed paper, newspaper, and PETE #1 twist top containers and HDPE #2 plastics. A recycling container is also available for cardboard, aluminum cans, and glass at the Seward Boat Harbor. The onsite management of recyclables is the sole responsibility of the Operator.
Hazardous & Misc. Waste
Used oil and lead acid and household batteries are accepted daily. Management of these materials is the same as the Homer Transfer Facility.
Four HWCE are conducted throughout the year by the KPB’s hazardous waste management contractor who manages the events and ships the waste out of Alaska for management.
Disposal Fees
SMF/TF does not have commercial disposer scales. Commercial vehicles with more than five cubic yards are charged for specific waste items based on volume with a 250 cubic yard limit per job. Households are not charged disposal fees. Households are charged for specific items.
Fees apply to hazardous waste management from businesses that generate very small quantities of this waste stream; households are free.
Environmental Monitoring
A KPB contractor samples four monitoring wells around the monofill perimeter annually in accordance with the ADEC permit.
Waste water produced from daily tipping floor operations is collected in a 3,000 gallon underground storage tank. A hauler contracted with the Borough hauls it off site.
Rural Landfills Overview
Rural Landfills Overview
Background
Class III landfills are defined as landfills that are not connected by a road to a Class I landfill, or if connected by road, is located more than 50 miles from a Class I landfill, and accepts less than five tons per day of MSW. The KPB oversees the operations of five Class III rural landfills: Beluga, Nanwalek, Port Graham, Seldovia, and Tyonek. Each is unique and comes with the challenges of geographic location and community compliance and involvement.
Location Issues
The KPB does not own land in Port Graham, Nanwalek, or Tyonek and has had to lease Native land for landfill use. Over the years each of these villages has expressed interest in relocating their existing landfills. However, land option constraints coupled with gridlock negotiations with the Native corporations and local residents has left potential progress at a stalemate. Until other suitable sites can be found and negotiations agreed upon, the KPB and these communities agree that remaining at the existing locations is the best solution for current waste management.
Waste Minimization – Burn Boxes
All of the rural landfills utilize burn boxes. This is known as a “waste minimization technique” and reduces MSW required for burial by an estimated 25%. Burning is strictly controlled in amounts of less than five cubic yards and includes items such as cardboard, paper, and small quantities of wood waste.
Recycling
RRL is currently the only rural landfill with a recycling program.
Hazardous Waste
In 1995 the KPB and Chugachmuit funded the construction of small sheds in Nanwalek and Port Graham to temporarily store hazardous waste materials such as used oil and vehicle batteries that cannot be disposed of in the landfill.
The Solid Waste Department holds an annual HWCP event in Seldovia. The hazardous waste in the sheds at Nanwalek and Port Graham are shipped out on an as-needed basis by Solid Waste staff. No hazardous waste is collected at Beluga or Tyonek; the industrial corporations in these areas are responsible for disposing of their own hazardous wastes.
Disposal Fees
Fees are not charged at the unattended landfills - Nanwalek, Port Graham, and Tyonek - because there is no attendant on duty to inspect waste items or collect fees. Beluga and Seldovia do not have commercial disposer scales, so commercial vehicles are charged for specific waste items based on volume. Households are not charged disposal fees. Fees apply to the hazardous waste management of very small quantity generator waste in Seldovia from small businesses; households are free.
Rural Landfill - Beluga
BELUGA LANDFILL (BLF)
OPERATING HOURS
Open Tuesday and Saturday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
During the summer months, if necessary, the site is open an extra one half day per week.
OPEN ALL MAJOR HOLIDAYS EXCEPT: New Year's, Thanksgiving & Christmas Days
Location & Permits
The BLF is located across the Cook Inlet from the KPB main road system, 1 mile southwest of the Beluga airstrip in the village of Beluga in Sec. 4, T12N, R10W, S.M., AK. The current Class III Landfill ADEC permit, SW3A025-20, expires in January 2025.
Background
During public hearing in the 1980’s the community expressed concerns related to local industrial business activity and the possibility of hazardous waste being disposed in the landfill. In response to these concerns, the KPB began contracting an Operator to run the site.
The BLF sits on a 40-acre KPB owned parcel and serves about 20 year round residents along with summer fishing businesses and numerous industrial/business entities.
Construction
In 1989 D&L Construction Company, under KPB contract, and ARCO combined efforts to construct the first community landfill. Prior to the construction, the community used the Chugach Electric open dump.
Operations
An Operator under contract with the KPB operates the site and is responsible for supplying the equipment, manpower, and supplies necessary to perform all operational and maintenance duties of the landfill in a safe and orderly manner. Contracted services include, but are not limited to, monitoring activities during operating hours, conducting litter clean up, managing burn box operations, compacting and covering MSW and inert waste on a regular basis, and road access maintenance.
An estimated 800 to 1500 cubic yards of landfill capacity is consumed annually with a projected life of 20 more years.
Environmental Monitoring
Water samples have been periodically collected from surface water drainage located southwest of the landfill.
Rural Landfill - Nanwalek
NANWALEK LANDFILL (NLF)
OPERATING HOURS
Open 24 Hours a Day/365 Days a Year
Location & Permits
The NLF is located across Kachemak Bay from the KPB main road system on the north side of the village of Nanwalek on Saint John St. in Sec. 35, T9S, R16W, S.M., AK. An ADEC permit was unattainable for years, but on May 2, 2017, the ADEC issued Solid Waste Permit SW3A187-22, which expires in May 2022.
Background
The English Bay/Nanwalek Townsite Trustees granted the KPB a long-term rights-of-way permit in 1986 to utilize three acres of this 70-acre Native owned parcel for landfill activities. It serves about 250 year round residents.
The KPB has been working for years with the Nanwalek IRA Council to evaluate potential relocation. Due to extremely limited suitable land, efforts have been directed to alternative options instead. A proposed new airport with a road linking the communities of Port Graham and Nanwalek offers the possible option of consolidation into one landfill somewhere between the two villages. This option will be re-evaluated in the next few years as the airport construction project progresses.
Construction
Site improvements were performed in 2007 including the manufacture and installation of the burn box. Further site improvements are needed, including boundary expansion and improved drainage.
Operations
Historically, the Council provided only minimal manpower, equipment, and maintenance, causing ongoing operational problems. When unmonitored waste is dumped on the ground, it scatters throughout the site making it difficult to consolidate and cover. Also, unless the burn box is burned regularly, it gets too full to operate safely and effectively. The Solid Waste Department has staged a track loader at the NLF and sends staff over periodically for minimal operations and maintenance tasks including MSW and inert waste burial.
An estimated 220 cubic yards of landfill capacity is consumed annually with a projected life of 5-10 more years.
Environmental Monitoring
There is no environmental water monitoring of this site.
Rural Landfill - Port Graham
PORT GRAHAM LANDFILL (PGL)
OPERATING HOURS
Open 24 Hours a Day/365 Days a Year
Location & Permits
The PGL is located on the northwest side of the village of Port Graham on First St. within Sec. 33, T9S, R15W, S.M., AK. An ADEC permit is required to operate this site.
Background
The Port Graham Townsite Trustees issued a Trustee Permit to the KPB in 1977 for the indefinite use of 4 acres of this 280-acre Native owned parcel for landfill activities. It serves about 180 year round residents. The site’s close proximity to homes coupled with its small size has prompted the community and the KPB to search new potential sites since the 1990’s. In 2010 the KPB contracted with a professional consultant to perform a feasibility study of a 160-acre privately owned parcel for sale. Unfortunately, the study concluded there were too many costly surface water issues to make this a viable option.
Construction
Site improvements were performed in 2007 including the manufacture and installation of the burn box and Homer Transfer Facility staff expanding the site perimeter along the northwest edge by relocating the existing fence.
Operations
An Operator under contract with the KPB operates the site and is responsible for supplying the equipment, manpower, and supplies necessary to perform all operational and maintenance duties the landfill in a safe and orderly manner. Contracted services include, but are not limited to, conducting litter clean up, managing burn box operations, compacting and covering MSW and inert waste on a regular basis, and access maintenance.
An estimated 150 cubic yards of landfill capacity is consumed annually with a projected life of 5-7 more years left.
Environmental Monitoring
There is no environmental water monitoring of this site.
Rural Landfill - Rocky Ridge
ROCKY RIDGE LANDFILL (RRL)
OPERATING HOURS
Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
OPEN ALL MAJOR HOLIDAYS EXCEPT New Year’s, Thanksgiving & Christmas Days
Location & Permits
The RRL is located across Kachemak Bay from the KPB main road system, 1.5 miles south of the town of Seldovia on Rocky St. within Sec. 6, T9S, R14W, S.M., AK. The current Class III Landfill ADEC permit, SW3A026-26, expires in June 2024.
Background
The KPB previously operated the Class III Seldovia Landfill from 1978-2004 on land leased from the Seldovia Native Association.
In 2003 the KPB contracted a professional consultant to perform a feasibility study of a 125-acre parcel found for sale by the University of Alaska for possible relocation. It was determined the selected parcel met the long-term solid waste needs of the community and the parcel was purchased. The landfill sits on 20 acres of this parcel, 7.5 of which are designated for landfill activities, with the other 12.5 reserved as a buffer. It serves about 420 year round residents. RRL is the largest of the KPB’s Class III landfills.
Construction
The site was constructed in the spring of 2004 and opened July 1 of that year. Site development for Cell 1 and Cell 2 included the a 3.5-acre footprint for Cell 1, an access road, driving pads, a waste fill area, and an attendant building. The burn box was manufactured and installed at the site in 2005.
Landfill expansion, as waste fill progresses, requires blasting and rock removal to generate airspace according to the site development plan. The first phase of an expansion project was planned as a capital project in FY14. An opportunity to allow rock extraction and export for a Homer project presented itself in 2014, and a commercial quantity material contract was executed between KPB and a general contractor. KPB Land Management obtained a conditional land use permit in September 2014 to use 2.6 acres of the parcel as a material site for the production and processing of hard rock and related materials. The materials contract was administered by KPB Land Management in 2014-2015 and created approximately 35,000 cubic yards of airspace and generated an estimated 2,000 cubic yards of cover material which greatly benefits the KPB at no cost.
Operations
An Operator under contract with the KPB operates the site and is responsible for supplying the equipment, manpower, and supplies necessary to perform all operational and maintenance duties of the landfill in a safe and orderly manner. Contracted services include, but are not limited to, monitoring activities during operating hours, conducting litter clean up, managing burn box operations, compacting and covering MSW and inert waste on a regular basis, and road access maintenance.
An estimated 500 to 1,500 cubic yards of landfill capacity is consumed annually with a projected life of 25+ more years.
Woody Debris/Brush is open burned on the ground periodically as weather permits with the remaining ash buried in the landfill.
Hazardous Waste
An annual HWCE is held in town in the fall allowing households and VSQGs an opportunity to dispose of this waste stream. The KPB’s hazardous waste management contractor manages the event and barges the waste to the Homer Transfer Facility in coordination with a collection event there.
Lead-acid batteries are accepted year round, stored in totes, and shipped out of the community on an as needed basis.
Recycling
Three recycling bins are used to collect aluminum cans and PETE #1 twist top containers and HDPE #2 plastics. When full, the bins are transported by the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry to the Homer Transfer Facility for management.
Environmental Monitoring
Five surface water sample points surrounding the landfill footprint are sampled bi-annually by a Borough contractor and tested for a wide variety of parameters. Baseline samples were collected in April 2004 before the landfill was constructed. Current sample data is compared to the baseline sample results to promptly identify any impacts the landfill may be having on surrounding surface water systems. No impacts have been identified to date.
Rural Landfill - Tyonek
TYONEK LANDFILL (TLF)
OPERATING HOURS
Open 24 Hours a Day/365 Days a Year
Location & Permits
The TLF is located across the Cook Inlet from the KPB main road system, 2 miles northwest of the village of Tyonek on A St. in Sec. 35, T12N, R11W, S.M., AK. Due to the absence of written consent for and a lack of compliance in landfill operations, an ADEC permit was unobtainable since 1990. However, through the continued efforts of SWD staff, written consent by the Tyonek Native Corporation was obtained and a Class III landfill permit was issued. The new ADEC permit, SW3A17-21, expires in February 2026.
Background
This site has been in operation since the 1970’s. The TLF sits on a portion of this 600-acre Native owned parcel and serves about 170 year round residents.
The KPB has worked unsuccessfully for years with local landowners, the Native Village of Tyonek, Tyonek Native Corporation, and the Cook Inlet Regional Corporation to evaluate potential relocation. A plausible option may be transporting waste to the KPB owned landfill in Beluga. The KPB will work on developing a long term waste management plan for the community.
Construction
The burn box was manufactured and installed at the site in 2005.
Operations
An Operator under contract with the KPB operates this site and is responsible for supplying the equipment, manpower, and supplies necessary to perform all operational and maintenance duties of the landfill in a safe and orderly manner. Contracted services include, but are not limited to, conducting litter clean up, managing burn box operations, compacting and covering MSW and inert waste on a regular basis, and road access maintenance.
An estimated 950 cubic yards of landfill capacity is consumed annually with a projected life of 8 to 10 more years.
Environmental Monitoring
There is no environmental water monitoring of this site.
Transfer Facilities - Kenai, Nikiski and Sterling
KENAI, NIKISKI & STERLING TRANSFER FACILITIES
Kenai (907) 283-4445 Nikiski (907) 776-7037 Sterling (907) 260-1939
OPERATING HOURS
See Disposal Sites Hours & Information Flyer for the most up-to-date operating hours.
Location & Permits
Kenai is located in Kenai at 2410 Redoubt Avenue on a portion of the closed Kenai Landfill in Sec. 36, T6N, R12W, S.M., AK.
Nikiski is located in Nikiski at 55410 Poolside Avenue in Sec. 9, T7N, R12W, S.M., AK.
Sterling is located at Mile 85.5 Sterling Highway in Sterling in Sec. 10, T5N, R9, S.M., AK. No ADEC permits are required to operate these sites.
Background
Kenai and Nikiski were financed by State of Alaska Legislative and ADEC Grants and began operations in January 1995. Sterling was financed by an ADEC Grant and KPB funds and began operations in January 1997. Project cost for each site was $500,000 - $600,000.
Construction
Each facility includes a roofed and sided solid waste transfer bay (which accommodates a walking floor transfer trailer), an attendant building, a recycle shed for used oil and battery collection, recycle material collection bins, one open top dumpster for bulky waste, a paved road with a parking pad, and security fencing. Sterling has the same basic construction with a few minor changes including a longer transfer building.
Operations
An Operator contracted with the KPB operates all three sites simultaneously under the same contract and is responsible for supplying the equipment, manpower, and supplies necessary to perform the operational and maintenance duties of the transfer facilities in a safe and orderly manner. Contract services include, but are not limited to, monitoring activities during operating hours, conducting litter cleanup, snow removal, and access road maintenance. The contract duration is three years with a renewal option of two years, which is subject to contract compliance, the agreement of both parties, and annual approval of funding.
The public deposits MSW directly into the walking floor trailers, which are transported to the Central Peninsula Landfill (CPL). Disposers are limited to 2 pickup loads per week, per source. No full loads larger than a 1-ton pickup or carrying capacity of over 3 cubic yards are accepted and must be delivered to the CPL. A collective average of 6,000 tons of MSW is transported to the CPL each year.
Hazardous & Misc. Waste
Used oil and lead acid and household batteries are accepted at each site during operational hours. The KPB contracts out used oil and household batteries management. NOTE: Vehicle batteries not accepted.
Recycling
Two compartmentalized recycling containers are placed at each site for the collection of aluminum cans, corrugated cardboard, glass, mixed paper, and newspaper. Kenai has one additional 40-cubic yard containers for PETE #1 twist top containers and HDPE #2 plastics. Disposers with more than the equivalent of two full pickup loads per week must take recyclables to CPL. The collective average of 270 tons of recyclable materials are transported to CPL annually.
Monitoring
The Operator is responsible for waste screening and segregation of materials.
Fees
Chargeable waste items are not accepted at these sites and must be delivered to CPL.
Transfer Sites - Anchor Point, Cooper Landing, Crown Point, Funny River, Hope, Kasilof, McNeil Canyon, Ninilchik
LOCATIONS & OPERATING HOURS
24/7 ALL YEAR | |
ANCHOR POINT | Old Sterling Hwy past Anchor River Inn Grocery Store |
CROWN POINT | Mile 24 Seward Highway |
FUNNY RIVER | Mile 10 Funny River Road |
HOPE | Mile 16 Hope Road |
MCNEIL CANYON | Mile 12.5 East End Road |
NINILCHIK | Mile 138.5 Sterling Highway |
LIMITED HOURS | |
COOPER LANDING |
Mile 44 Sterling Highway |
KASILOF |
Mile 110.5 Sterling Highway |
Background
Since adoption of the KPB’s Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan in 1991, the SWD has consolidated and/or upgraded numerous Solid Waste Transfer Sites resulting in a manageable hauling program. The Borough currently maintains eight year-round, unmanned sites at Anchor Point, Cooper Landing, Crown Point, Hope, Funny River, Kasilof, Ninilchik and McNeil Canyon.
Operations
An Operator under contract with the KPB is responsible for transporting the containers and disposing the contents at the Central Peninsula Landfill or Homer Transfer Facility in a safe and efficient manner. They also provide a roving attendant working on an alternating schedule to monitor disposal activities and keep each site neat, clean, and litter free.
Depending on the time of year, anywhere from two to four 40-cubic yard containers are located at the sites for MSW disposal with additional 30-cubic yard containers for recyclable items.
Gates and fencing have been installed at most of the sites. Gates are opened and closed at select sites by the contractor with varying daily hours depending on the site and time of year.
Improvements
The Funny River Site was expanded and improved in the summer of 2020. Improvements include features uniform in design and functionality to other KPB Transfer Sites: entrance gates, site fencing, bulk head installation, lighting, and surveillance connectivity improvements.
Site Issues
Improper disposal, vandalism, and people climbing into and on the dumpsters are on-going problems at these unmanned sites. Prohibited items, including hazardous waste, sometimes are improperly disposed of or dumped on the ground, causing potential health and safety issues. Vandals have destroyed signs and burned containers.
In an effort to resolve these issues and ensure safety, the KPB has designated operating hours and installed gates, fences, bear-proof containers, and surveillance cameras at most of the sites.
Bear problems at some of the sites had escalated over the years since 2001. Fortunately, most of these issues were eliminated by installing bear resistant modified containers, performing daily site clean-up, and promptly closing and opening the containers and gates.
Additionally, surveillance cameras were installed in 2009 at all the sites except Hope, which will be added as funds allow. The cameras help provide live feedback on site activities.