River Birch, one of Louisiana’s largest waste management companies, is pushing for approval to expand its landfill in Waggaman.
This expansion would transform the River Birch landfill into the state’s largest and allow it to accept trash from all over the United States, although company officials have stressed that it will be used only for specialized refuse related to their growing renewable energy projects.
Expansion Plans and Potential Impact
If approved by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the expansion will add 351 acres to the existing site, bringing the total area of the landfill to 710 acres—equivalent to nearly 540 football fields. The landfill will grow to double its current capacity by around 2090, with the trash pile potentially reaching up to 195 feet high, enough to fill the Superdome almost 27 times.
River Birch officials argue that expanding into an existing landfill is a more sustainable option than creating a new site. They point to the advanced odor control systems already in place and their ongoing renewable energy projects, which aim to reduce environmental impact.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
One of the main selling points of the expansion is the company’s commitment to renewable energy. River Birch intends to use specialized trash, including tires and plastics, to support its growing efforts to convert waste into energy.
The landfill’s methane gas will be collected and turned into usable energy. The company claims the landfill has a state-of-the-art methane collection system with a 99.5% efficiency rate, capable of producing enough energy to supply gas to homes in cities like Kenner and Bossier City.
Opposition from Local Residents
While River Birch maintains that its expansion plan is necessary for both the local waste management infrastructure and its renewable energy projects, the proposal has faced strong opposition.
Many residents, like Joseph Mendez, a truck driver from Waggaman, recall the unpleasant odors from the old landfill site and are wary of more expansion. Mendez, who lives as far as possible from the landfills, states that the smells still affect him frequently, and he feels that the residents have already suffered enough.
Local officials have also voiced mixed opinions. St. Charles Parish Councilwoman Michelle O’Daniels expressed concern about the idea of turning Waggaman into a national dumping ground, particularly since the national designation for out-of-state trash was not clearly communicated during previous votes. On the other hand, Jefferson Parish Councilman Scott Walker did not oppose the national trash designation, feeling it didn’t require prior notice.
National Trash Designation and Out-of-State Waste
River Birch’s permit application would allow the landfill to accept trash from outside Louisiana. While the company has stated that only specialized waste would be imported for its renewable energy efforts, this has raised concerns among local officials and residents about the environmental and health impacts of handling trash from other states.
While the company emphasizes that it won’t accept regular municipal waste from other states due to high transportation costs, the national trash designation is still part of the permit request, which has caused concern in the local community.
Plans for Methane Collection and Energy Production
The expanded landfill will feature a comprehensive system for collecting methane gas and leachate (tainted water that percolates through the landfill). River Birch claims its gas separation plant produces around 6 million cubic feet of methane per day, which can be sold by pipeline to supply energy.
The company has also improved its pollution control systems, including scrubbers and emergency flares that help minimize odors and emissions from the landfill. However, there have been occasional complaints about foul smells from residents, and River Birch has been fined in the past for issues related to its leachate treatment.
Future of the Expansion Project
The DEQ is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the landfill expansion on April 21, 2026, at the James C. Simmons Community Center in Avondale. The decision to approve or reject the expansion will depend on the evaluation of environmental and community impacts.
Key Points
- Landfill Expansion: River Birch plans to expand its Waggaman landfill by 351 acres, making it the largest in Louisiana.
- Renewable Energy: The company aims to use specialized waste like tires and plastics for energy production through methane collection.
- Public Opposition: Local residents, particularly in Waggaman, have voiced concerns about odors and potential health impacts.
- National Trash Designation: The expansion plan includes a permit to accept trash from other states, though the company insists it will be used only for specific waste related to renewable energy projects.
