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aerial of landfill

How it works

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slide with pictures of the landfill (sign, scale house, convenience site), text says: All waste entering the landfill is weighed on scales and directed to the correct disposal site; either solid waste, yard waste, or inert debris.
cross-section of landfill. Text says: At the end of the day, the "working face" is covered with dirt or other approved material. We call this "cover." Waste is compacted to maximize space. More compaction = lower costs, less use of the landfill space, extending the life of the landfill.
Images of constructing a new landfill cell.
Cross section of closed landfill.
Text: Waste naturally decomposes. When this happens, it creates landfill gas (mostly methane). Methane contributes to climate change and destroys Earth's ozone layer. Landfills are required to destroy the landfill gas so it is not released into the atmosphere. In 2007, CEP began selling landfill gas to Archaea Energy, part of BP. They have a facility on-site that converts landfill gas to electricity. Currently, we produce enough methane to meet the electricity needs of 2,500 homes.
Leachate slide. Leachate is like "trash juice." Some waste produces liquid as it decomposes. When rain and snow filter through the landfill, it can carry contaminants to the bottom. This can pollute and contaminate the groundwater, and eventually, our drinking water. We use pipes installed below the cell to transport leachate to treatment facilities.
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Coastal EnvironmentalPartnership

7400 Old Hwy. 70 West,
New Bern, NC 28562

252-633-1564

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  • About
    • Locations & Hours
    • Info
    • Directors & Staff
    • Contact
  • Services
    • Rates
    • Hazardous Waste
    • Compost
    • Waste Disposal
  • Education
    • How it works
    • Field Trips and Programs
  • Additional Resources
    • Financial Reports
    • Waste to Energy
    • Resolutions - Budget Ordinances