There are around 25 active municipal waste landfills in our state, all of them located in Upstate New York. Here are some arterial views from Google Maps from the 10 closest active municpal solid waste landfills to Albany, NY. Feel free to zoom out to see surrounding landforms, notice developments, farm lands, and other things impacted by these trash dumping sites.

1) Albany City / Rapp Road Landfill.

Located in the Albany Pine Bush, a globally unique Pine Bush ecosystem, it is undergoing an expansion that will condemn 15 acres of this rare habitat. With no more land to expand on without expanding into high-quality Pine Bush, it’s likely to close in a couple of years.

2) Colonie Landfill.

Located on the Mohawk River, it is located north of the town near several smaller subdivisions and some of the suburban towns remaining farms. It recently was expanded, and there is concerns about pollution to neighbors and the nearby Mohawk River. Neighbors have claimed to have wells contaminated, and are concerned about impact on the river. Litter is a real problem.

3) Fulton County Landfill.

This landfill was expanded in 2004, and as of 2008 is at about 60% of capacity. It serves Fulton County (owner), and also the MOSA communities (Montegomery-Otsego-Amsterdam-Schoharie) and downstate sources.

4) Sullivan County Landfill.

The Sullivan County Landfill is located in Monticello, and the county has decided to close it rather then expanding it, as operations have proven not to be cost effective.

5) Madison County Landfill.

This landfill is undergoing a permitting process for a 600-acre expansion, that should it be limited solely to county trash would last them about 500 years.

6) Clinton County Landfill.

Located about a 1/8th of a mile, in the bend of the Saranac River, about 5 miles west of Plattsburgh, it takes trash from the North Country and far beyond at a low rate to make the county money. It was privatized about a decade ago.

7) Franklin County Landfill.

This landfill near the Candian Border in the Town of Constable, Franklin County, is in the permitting process for a massive expansion, so the county can import more garbage and make more revenue off it.

8) Chenago County Landfill.

A relatively small county landfill serving the trash disposal needs of Chenago County. It is located near East Pharsalia, about twenty miles from Norwich. It has suffered from low revenues in recent months.

9) Ava Landfill.

Located near Boonsville / Town of Ava, this is the state’s newest landfill, providing 62-years of theoretical capacity for the Oneida-Herkimer communities. Permits for the landfill where granted about three years ago, and that’s why it’s not seen yet on this former farm field. It has been subject to significant controversy.

10) Broome County Landfill.

This mid-size county landfill serves Binghamton and surrounding towns, and imports trash from New York City. It is undergoing another expansion.