The Otay Landfill team takes multiple steps to protect the environment. All waste is screened to ensure unacceptable waste is not accepted, and our standard operating procedures are designed to exceed regulatory standards. More than 230 acres of the Otay Landfill property is dedicated to non-landfill operations, including 25 acres dedicated for a vernal pool habitat project to protect native aquatic species.
The Otay Landfill opened its fully solar powered compost facility in 2021. This state-of-the-art facility takes in 200 tons of food and yard waste daily, diverting over 60 thousand tons of material from the landfill annually. The operation uses the GORE cover system, and currently is managing 32 windrows over 6 acres of land.
The next step for this facility’s operation is opening the THOR commercial food waste processor in Fall 2023; to continue supporting California’s robust climate mitigation goals.
Otay Compost Facility was named the 2022 Organic Management Facility of the year. Republic services is proud to spearhead this innovative facility and be able to help San Diego customers reduce their environmental impact and meet sustainability goals.
Landfill gas is collected through a system of 294 extraction wells to control potential odor. Collected gas is either converted to clean energy or safely destroyed at our on-site flare. The Landfill’s surface and exterior gas probes are regularly monitored to ensure the landfill gas system is operating properly.
