Fewer But Larger Capacity should be adequate at least until the next century. A vailable space remaining in all Illinois nonhazardous solid-waste landfills reached a record high of 474 million cubic yards at the start of 1996. During 1995, the state's active landfills accepted 46.8 million cubic yards of nonhazardous solid wastes C only slightly more than the nine-year average disposal of 45.1 million cubic yards yearly. Annual disposal volume remained fairly constant between 1987 and 1995, the 172-page document shows. Active landfills numbers dropped from 146 to 58, while total landfill capacity rose from 274million cubic yards to the current 474 million cubic yards.
Landfills are fewer, but can accept more solid waste.
If landfill disposal continues at the nine-year average rate, as expected, aggregate landfill capacity in Illinois should remain sufficient for at least 10 years. The report shows available capacity rose by 112 million cubic yards between 1994 through 1995, with an additional 102 million cubic yards of new capacity being sought as of January 1996. Waste-management activities in each of seven Illinois EPA administrative regions are detailed and volumes and sources of wastes are shown for the 42 Illinois counties having active landfills. Nearly 91 percent of nonhazardous solid wastes landfilled during 1995 were generated in-state. Regional maps identify each landfill and the year each is expected to reach capacity.