Delta Institute has partnered with McHenry County, IL, to create both a county-wide solid waste management strategy (2012) and provide a 10-year update in 2022. Specifically, Delta worked with for the McHenry County Department of Health to update the McHenry County Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). The work scope for Delta comprised three task areas, including Landfill capacity and expansion analysis, Legislative activity, and Solid waste management trends.
Brief Overview of What We’re Doing
Delta provided McHenry County with updated analysis and assessments for the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan, inclusive of:
Landfill Capacity and Expansion Analysis
Delta compiled a list of landfills where McHenry County waste is currently transferred and summarized current and future capacity (within the next five years) for sanitary landfills in Illinois and Wisconsin within an 85-mile distance from McHenry County. Delta also explored current and future capacity for expansion to landfills in Indiana. In addition to the narrative memo, Delta compiled the information in tables, organized by state; contacts at the landfills; and a map showing the locations of the landfills included in this task.
Legislative Activity
Delta documented active federal and state solid waste management laws and regulations, including a summary of requirements and obligations to be met. Delta also surveyed and summarized pending and potential federal and state solid waste management regulations and legislation. Research topics included extended producer responsibility, product stewardship, take-back programs, and other waste streams. Delta also reviewed local ordinances, including the McHenry County Unified Development Code for language pertinent to solid waste management.
Solid Waste Management Trends
Delta examined current and emerging solid waste management trends, on a national, regional, and state level. The trends and innovative approaches explored include:
- Waste reduction and waste diversion of organics/composting
- Construction and demolition debris management
- Waste management strategies for specific activities or users, including:
- Public events (concerts/sports/fairs)
- Industrial facilities (factories)
- Commercial facilities (restaurants/bars, office building)
- Institutional facilities (schools, jails, churches)
- Multi-family dwellings
- Ways to implement new approaches, including
- New technologies
- Funding sources
- Educational outreach and marketing
Delta researched these topics and obtained definitions, how they are used (or what applications are used, in the case of the specific activities or users), and when available provided information on incentives, barriers, and real-world examples.
Partners
Delta is pleased to continue our partnership with McHenry County by contributing to the 2022 SWMP update, and is appreciative of our ongoing collaboration.