New York landfill seeks expansion amid space shortages and pollution concerns

New York’s biggest active landfill has reached roughly the height of the Statue of Liberty, and its operator wants to expand it despite objections from nearby residents. The proposal highlights a growing problem for the state: landfill space is running short, while the environmental costs of storing rubbish are mounting.

Seneca Meadows covers 350 acres and receives about 6,000 tonnes of waste each day, including 1,500 tonnes from New York City. Texas-based Waste Connections is seeking permission to add 47 acres of lined disposal cells and raise the landfill by another 70 feet, potentially extending its life for decades. Researchers have identified it as New York’s largest methane source, while residents and officials have raised concerns about odours and water pollution; the state is considering the proposal.