My field trip to Prima Deshecha a (Class III) landfill left me with one question, "What will it take to make everyday people understand that we have to change the way we live?". The site I visited sits quietly upon some of the most beautiful land money can buy. All you could see was green-flowing canyons snuggled by the by the rolling Pacific ocean, a breath taking view, but wait....don't take a deep breath, because on the other side of the hill is your overly excessive amount of waste layered in with mine. It was a sobering sight that should be instilled in our minds, a sight that should motivate each of us to embrace a keener awareness of "Zero Waste" and take action.
One of the most interesting aspects of the landfill was its construction and how daily cells are made next to each, increasing the elevation. Our tour guide Randy explained that they were filling air space and once the planned elevation is reached that they would move to another area within the landfill. Another thing that I found interesting was their ability to convert the Methane to LNG through their own facility and actually run the landfill from that energy. Also, they have a HHW collection center that is free, open only to the public and is "full-service" by regulation. Plus, they have a free material exchange program where you can shop for partially used materials. It's a great place to dispose of your household hazardous waste and you cannot beat the free shopping.
This trip has inspired me to become more active and aware of the things that I can change in my everyday life to help reduce the amount of waste that is being generated. I truly believe that we as individuals have to change the way we live and buy "stuff". We all have to join forces and work together to change this "throw away culture" we made for ourselves.
The landfill consists of 1530 acres, and is currently permitted for 699 acres of that to be used for refuse disposal. It was opened in 1976 and it is estimated to close in 2067. This date may be extended to 2095 because other landfills have been built, reducing Prima's collection rates from 2800 tons a day to 1400 tons. The landfill can accept at a maximum of 4000 tons per day by law, and is required to operate under numerous other regulations to protect pubic health, safety. and the enviorment. http://wikimapia.org/#lat=33.4881889&lon=-117.6220322&z=13&l=0&m=b&v=8
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