IWS looks to negotiate deal to expand Apex Landfill in Ohio

Interstate Waste Services (IWS), a waste hauling and recycling company headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, is looking to negotiate a deal to allow for the expansion of its landfill in Ohio.

As reported by the Herald-Star, the company paid just under $5 million for about 377 acres in Harrison County for the expansion of the Apex Landfill, but the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District still has an easement that gives it control over a wetlands area between the new parcel and the original site.

In return for unrestricted access to its recently acquired properties, IWS says it would assist with the cleanup of runoff from the defunct Crossridge Landfill into the Cross Creek water table. IWS pitched the agreement at a March meeting in Steubenville, Ohio, with representatives of the Jefferson County Health District.

In 2022, IWS considered acquiring the Crossbridge property and launched a multi-month feasibility study, reports the Herald-Star. The company also performed some remediation work during the study. However, the idea was opposed by the community, and IWS eventually distanced itself from the plan.

Instead, company officials have pitched to pay $8 million to properly close the Crossbridge landfill, and, as a “community service,” designate it as a conservation district, which would ensure the roughly 500-acre property will never again be landfilled.

Discussions regarding the plans are still ongoing.

This is not the first time IWS has sought to expand the Apex Landfill, with the company expressing interest in growing its rail services at the site last spring.

At an April 2022 meeting, John Walker—director of operations for rail and transfer at IWS—told Jefferson County commissioners the company is looking for a public sponsor and letters of support to accompany their application for federal funding for a $25.6 million expansion. The expansion would include earthwork paving, track construction, a gondola building, equipment and powerline relocation.

At the time, commissioners had concerns the rail expansion would lead to an expansion of the landfill itself, but IWS assured it has to “live and die by our permit,” which is currently capped at 10,000 tons per day.

No decision has been made regarding this request.