The city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has several landfill locations that serve as disposal sites for municipal solid waste. The management and operation of these landfills are crucial for maintaining environmental sustainability and public health. In this article, we will explore the different Calgary landfill locations, their characteristics, and the waste management strategies employed by the city.
Overview of Calgary Landfill Locations
Calgary has three main landfill locations: the Spyhill Landfill, the East Calgary Landfill, and the Shepard Landfill. Each of these landfills has its unique features, capacities, and operational procedures. The city’s waste management strategy involves diverting waste from landfills through recycling, composting, and other diversion programs. As of 2022, the city has achieved a waste diversion rate of approximately 50%, with a goal of reaching 70% by 2030.
Spyhill Landfill
The Spyhill Landfill, located in the northwest part of the city, has been in operation since 1989. It has a total area of approximately 240 hectares and a permitted capacity of 20 million tonnes of waste. The landfill is designed with a composite liner system to prevent leachate from contaminating groundwater. The Spyhill Landfill also features a gas collection system, which captures methane gas produced by decomposing waste and utilizes it to generate electricity.
East Calgary Landfill
The East Calgary Landfill, situated in the southeast part of the city, has been in operation since 1979. It has a total area of approximately 160 hectares and a permitted capacity of 15 million tonnes of waste. The landfill is equipped with a leachate collection system and a gas collection system, similar to the Spyhill Landfill. The East Calgary Landfill also has a waste transfer station, which allows for the efficient transfer of waste from collection vehicles to larger transport vehicles.
Shepard Landfill
The Shepard Landfill, located in the southeast part of the city, is the largest of the three landfills, with a total area of approximately 320 hectares and a permitted capacity of 30 million tonnes of waste. The landfill has been in operation since 2006 and features a state-of-the-art composite liner system, a leachate collection system, and a gas collection system. The Shepard Landfill also has a unique feature - a solar panel array that generates electricity and helps power the landfill’s operations.
| Landfill Location | Permitted Capacity (tonnes) | Area (hectares) |
|---|---|---|
| Spyhill Landfill | 20,000,000 | 240 |
| East Calgary Landfill | 15,000,000 | 160 |
| Shepard Landfill | 30,000,000 | 320 |
Waste Management Strategies
The city of Calgary employs various waste management strategies to minimize waste sent to landfills. These strategies include:
- Recycling programs: The city operates a comprehensive recycling program that collects paper, plastic, glass, and metal from households and businesses.
- Composting programs: The city offers composting programs for food and yard waste, which helps reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills.
- Waste reduction initiatives: The city promotes waste reduction initiatives, such as reducing single-use plastics and encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
Technical Specifications
The city’s landfills are designed and operated in accordance with strict technical specifications to ensure environmental sustainability and public health. Some of the key technical specifications include:
- Composite liner system: A composite liner system consists of a layer of clay and a layer of synthetic material, which prevents leachate from contaminating groundwater.
- Leachate collection system: A leachate collection system collects and treats leachate, which is the liquid that seeps through the waste and can contaminate groundwater.
- Gas collection system: A gas collection system captures methane gas produced by decomposing waste and utilizes it to generate electricity.
What are the operating hours of the Calgary landfills?
+The operating hours of the Calgary landfills vary depending on the location. The Spyhill Landfill is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. The East Calgary Landfill is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and closed on weekends. The Shepard Landfill is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends.
What types of waste are accepted at the Calgary landfills?
+The Calgary landfills accept a variety of waste types, including municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, and hazardous waste. However, some types of waste, such as electronics and batteries, are not accepted at the landfills and must be taken to specialized recycling facilities.
