Garbage Landfills

Seneca Lake Guardian is working diligently to help close the Seneca Meadows Landfill (SMI) by 2025.

Things You Should Know about SMI:

• SMI, located in Seneca Falls, the birthplace of Women’s Rights, is the largest landfill in NYS
• There are 27 landfills in NYS
• Waste Connections, SMI Parent company through RSNY Made 301,000 available in the 2021 election to get Pro-Landfill candidates elected
• SMI is permitted to accept 6,000 tons of waste daily
• SMI is permitted to produce up to 100,000 gallons of toxic leachate per day
• SMI is currently required to stop receiving waste and halt operations by Dec 31, 2025 due to Local Law 3 of 2016 in the town of Seneca Falls.
• SMI is looking to expand beyond 2040 with their “Valley Infill” expansion which would more than double their existing airspace and add a 6.9 story height increase.
• SMI accepts 36% of NYC’s garbage annually
• SMI is in violation of their current Town Code
• SMI is in violation of their Host Community Agreement
• SMI is in violation of NYC Part 211.1 DEC regulations
• SMI is suing the town of Seneca falls, costing the taxpayer
• SMI operated without an approved license to operate from the town for 2+ years
• SMI allows Trucks all through the night after closed hours to sit and rot with their stench over night before filling during operating hours.
• Over 95% of Municipalities in the USA operate without landfill revenue.
• Between the last two SF TB elections Waste Connections contributed almost $400,000 to get pro landfill candidates elected.
• If expanded until 2040 that would equate to 28.5 million tons of trashed dumped in Seneca Falls
• Exit 41 is the gateway to the finger lakes
• SF is the birthplace of Women’s Rights
• SMI was asked to come to the table and work with the town to address odor reporting, they said no.
• Since 2018 there have been nearly 500 complaints Confirmed by SMI of Odor on site ranging from 1-12 miles away from the landfill.
• On multiple dates, the DEC onsite monitor checked NI for not inspected.
The Valley Infill will be on top of the hazardous Tantillo landfill buried beneath SMI.


In the News

Texas Waste Giant Wrote $200,000 Check To Help Flip Seneca Falls Board In Favor of Seneca Meadows Landfill

Title Date

URGENT: Seneca Falls Board Pulls Another Fast One

The Town of Seneca Falls has scheduled to bring back a vote on its Host Community Agreement with Seneca Meadows Landfill at tonight's Board meeting starting with a Public Hearing on the Town's Comprehensive Plan at 6:00 pm, 130 Ovid St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148-2300, United States.

Urgent Action Needed in Seneca County

We have been informed that the Seneca Meadows Landfill is trying to get resolutions of support for its expansion in every Town in Seneca County.  They were successful in getting a resolution of support from the Town of Varick last month, and aim to get more this month.

Urge Schuyler County Legislature To Adopt A Trash Moratorium!

We recently learned of a Proposed Garbage Transfer Facility in Schuyler County with murky ties to Casella Waste.

A 10,575 square foot materials recovery facility that would accept municipal solid waste (Garbage), construction and demolition debris (C&D) and source-separated recyclables, with a maximum daily thoughput of 500 tons per day has been proposed in the Town of Cayuta.

Town of Hector to Vote on Expansion of NY’s Largest Landfill in FLX

If you are a Town of Hector Resident, we wish to share an opportunity with you to weigh in on protecting the Finger Lakes region from  accepting 6,000 tons of garbage daily from 47 counties in NY, four other states, and one country -for another 15 years.

Think Landfills Shouldn’t Be Near Homes and Schools? Sign On To This Letter!

We have an opportunity to comment on the NY State DEC's Proposed New Regulations that would prevent landfills from being sited or expanding near schools and landfills.  This sign on letter is for both individuals and organizations. Please complete this google form today!

Spring has sprung!

What Seneca Lake Guardian’s been up to

As we ride out upstate New York's Spring weather fluctuations, we wanted to take a moment to catch you up on what Seneca Lake Guardian has been up to, and let me tell you, it's a LOT. Over the past 11 years, we’ve perfected our craft and streamlined our efforts to keep the Finger Lakes fishable, drinkable and swimmable for generations to come!

Seneca Meadows is upping its game. We need to fight back

Seneca Meadows has learned that cities, towns and villages across the region are speaking out against its expansion, and they’re trying to counteract these efforts. 

Seneca Lake Guardian Refuses to be Bullied into Silence By State’s Largest Landfill

Seneca Meadows Threatening SLG w/ Legal Action for Educating the Public on the Dangers of Landfill to Air, Water and State's Climate Goals

Seneca County Local Businesses, Advocates, and Residents Announce Lawsuit Against Seneca Meadows Inc. and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Lawsuit Alleges Seneca Meadows, the Largest Landfill in New York State, Violates New York State Constitution Green Amendment

A group of Seneca County businesses, advocates, and residents hosted a virtual press conference to announce a lawsuit they are bringing against Seneca Meadows Inc., the operator of New York’s largest landfill, Seneca Meadows, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
FLX Garbage Dump Truck Route

Proposed Garbage Station in FLX

Immediate Action Required!

We recently learned of a proposal for a garbage transfer facility that could negatively impact areas around Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Please review the overview that we have gleaned from the project application. We have exactly 10 days to submit comments to the DEC regarding this proposal (deadline September 24!), and to the Cayuta Town Board prior to October 14th.
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