WM landfill receives Wildlife Habitat Council conservation recertification

Houston-based Waste Management’s (WM’s) Springhill Landfill in Campbellton, Florida, recently held its 50th environmental educational landfill tour with local students and commemorated the facility’s latest conservation recertification from the Wildlife Habitat Council, Silver Spring, Maryland.

Students from Riverside Elementary were selected by their academic performance to participate in the day’s activities and were welcomed by local Jackson County dignitaries and WM Springhill Landfill officials. Those gathered joined together to applaud the students and celebrate the facility’s environmental award as recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council. Springhill Landfill earned its recertification by landfill employees investing their time to implement meaningful wildlife habitat management practices as well as conducting on-site educational and conservation programs.

“In achieving this honor, Springhill Landfill, Waste Management and most significantly, our employees can feel proud of their long-term commitment to managing a vibrant habitat for wildlife while educating our local students and neighbors on conservation,” Ronnie Bell, local public sector services manager for WM, says.

During the guided tour, students and other invited guests learned how a landfill operates, created edible landfills, observed storm water ponds and visited natural forested wetlands, among other activities. Following the tour, guests enjoyed lunch before officially commemorating the Wildlife Habitat Council conservation certification.

To obtain the recertification, Springhill Landfill participated in a review process that analyzed the facility’s contribution to conservation and education, corporate commitment and the project’s direct impact to the local community.

“For decades, the Springhill Landfill has been one of Jackson County’s biggest supporters in programs and projects, community outreach and environmental stewardship,” Bell says. “As an example, Waste Management has invested more than $12 million in host fees to Jackson County since 2007. This significant contribution serves to keep taxes in Jackson County lower and provides much needed support for beneficial services to Jackson County residents. We always welcome the opportunity to showcase the great things happening at Springhill Landfill and look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with Jackson County leaders and neighbors to deliver a meaningful and positive impact to the local community, now and well into the future.”