The Arbor Hills Landfill is expected to reach its capacity and close in approximately five years. The landfill's owner, Green for Life, plans to build a new landfill north of Arbor Hills. The first and most crucial approval for the proposed new landfill is required from Washtenaw County.
There are many reasons to deny permission for a new landfill in Salem Township, but the strongest argument may be that Washtenaw County does not need a landfill. Most of Washtenaw County’s trash is currently disposed of at the Woodland Meadows landfill, which has 25 - 30 years of capacity remaining.
The Arbor Hills Landfill is Washtenaw County’s only landfill; however, most of the Municipal and Commercial Waste (MCW) entering Arbor Hills currently comes from Canada and the suburbs of Metro Detroit. In 2022, less than 5% of the MCW entering Arbor Hills originated from Washtenaw County, the host county. Why should Michigan's most environmentally friendly county serve as a dumping ground for Canada and Metro Detroit?
Very little trash entering Arbor Hills comes from washtenaw county
washtenaw county trash is sent to wayne county
Ironically, almost 80% of the MCW generated in Washtenaw County is sent to the Woodland Meadows Landfill in Wayne County. A significant expansion was recently approved at Woodland Meadows, increasing its expected life to 25 – 30 years.
The closure of the Arbor Hills Landfill will impact waste shipments from Canada more than it will impact waste from Washtenaw County. Washtenaw County does not need a new landfill in Salem Township.
NO NEW LANDFILL