Linn County landfill proposal could extend operations until 2044

LINN COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) — A new proposal to expand the Linn County landfill could extend its life for another eight years.

The landfill located at 1954 County Home Road has been on pace to reach capacity by 2036, with the Solid Waste Agency saying it’s filling more quickly than previously projected. It typically takes in 500 to 600 tons of garbage every single day.

“Expansion would allow the Solid Waste Agency to continue providing vital waste management services to residents and businesses across Linn County,” said Tyler Olson, board chair of the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency. “It helps the region by managing long-term costs and user fees.”

Under the plan, the landfill would be expanded by reducing the setback to neighboring properties by 450 feet, increasing its capacity and allowing it to stay open until 2044.

“Managing solid waste is a regional responsibility and long-term solutions require communities to plan together,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell. “These discussions represent an important first step, opening the door to collaborative work to assess both near-term opportunities and future regional needs to support continued growth across Greater Cedar Rapids. We are committed to negotiating a joint approach balancing fiscal responsibility, environmental protection, and the needs of residents and businesses in Linn County for the next several decades.”

The Marion and Cedar Rapids city councils, as well as the Linn County Board of Supervisors and Solid Waste Agency Board will meet in the coming weeks to vote on the proposal.

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