News Summary
Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. recently explored the Central Landfill in Cranston, noting its significant evolution amidst challenges in waste management and recycling efficiency. Managed by Rhode Island Resource Recovery, the site faces a capacity crisis projected for 2046. Local authorities are implementing new fees for rejected recycling loads and exploring technological solutions to enhance recycling rates. With the landfill’s future at stake, community engagement and strategic reforms are necessary for sustainable waste management in Rhode Island.
Cranston, Rhode Island — Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. recently observed the significant evolution of the Central Landfill, an “environmental engineering marvel” located within the city. Guided by Jared Rhodes from the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp, the mayor made the ascent to the 250-foot summit of the landfill as the state faces increasing challenges with waste management and recycling efficiency.
The Central Landfill occupies approximately 290 acres and has a storied history; it was initially owned by Albert Silvestri and operated as a concrete and gravel facility in the 1950s. Over time, it transitioned to a landfill due to the influx of refuse delivered by local truckers. Prior to the state acquiring it in 1980 for $10.1 million, records indicate that around 1.5 million gallons of hazardous waste were improperly dumped there. The landfill was also designated as a federal Superfund site in 1984 due to contamination problems, emphasizing the critical nature of its management.
Rhode Island Resource Recovery, which now manages the landfill, plays a vital role in handling municipal garbage for communities across the state. However, the current projection estimates that the landfill will reach its capacity by 2046, raising urgent questions on future waste disposal strategies.
In an effort to mitigate the challenges posed by landfill waste, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp is implementing a new fee structure for rejected recycling loads, starting in April 2025. This initiative will introduce a fee of $20 per rejected ton, addressing the rising costs associated with increasing contamination rates. Providence has reported that it has spent approximately $4.2 million since 2021 on rejected recycling, with nearly 29,000 tons of rejected materials ending up in the landfill last year, significantly impacting municipal budgets.
The city and statewide authorities are exploring various technological solutions to reduce contamination in recycling efforts. Successful models from other cities, such as Greensboro, North Carolina, illustrate how improved education and technology can significantly enhance recycling rates. Despite this, Rhode Island’s current recycling diversion rates remain low, raising concerns over the sustainability of the Central Landfill in the long term.
The impending capacity crisis at the landfill exacerbates the need for effective long-term waste management alternatives. Preliminary estimates for potential new waste management solutions could cost anywhere from $33 million to $980 million, highlighting the financial and logistical challenges involved in maintaining adequate waste disposal options moving forward. Local municipalities are collaborating with Rhode Island Resource Recovery to improve recycling practices and educate residents, striving to mitigate the landfill demand and foster a more sustainable waste management system.
As one of only two active landfills in the state, the Central Landfill’s future is intertwined with Rhode Island’s overall approach to waste management and recycling. The combination of advanced technology, community engagement, and policy reform will be paramount to address these pressing recycling challenges, ensuring that the landfill can continue to serve Rhode Island’s needs in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Rhode Island Central Landfill History
- Cranston Online: Clock Ticking on Space at Central Landfill
- Warwick Online: How Old Will the Landfill Grow?
- GoLocalProv: Central Landfill Named to Dirty Dozen
- Waste Dive: Rhode Island Raising Tip Fee at Largest Landfill
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
