Closure of the Fresh Kills Landfill
The Fresh Kills Landfill, a 2,200-acre site in Staten Island, New York City, was the largest landfill in the world at its peak. It opened in 1948 as a temporary landfill but became the principal landfill for household garbage collected in New York City. At its peak in 1986, Fresh Kills received 29,000 short tons of residential waste per day. From 1991 until its closure, Fresh Kills was the only landfill to accept New York City’s residential waste.
Key Facts
- The Fresh Kills landfill was the largest landfill in the world and covered 2,200 acres in Staten Island, New York City.
- The landfill opened in 1948 as a temporary landfill but became the principal landfill for household garbage collected in New York City.
- At its peak in 1986, Fresh Kills received 29,000 short tons of residential waste per day.
- From 1991 until its closure, Fresh Kills was the only landfill to accept New York City’s residential waste.
- The landfill consisted of four mounds ranging in height from 90 to about 225 feet and held about 150 million short tons of solid waste.
- The remaining mounds at Fresh Kills stopped accepting waste in 2001.
- The closure of Fresh Kills landfill began in 1997 when two of the four mounds were closed and covered with a thick, impermeable cap.
- The landfill officially closed for good on March 22, 2001.
The landfill consisted of four mounds ranging in height from 90 to about 225 feet and held about 150 million short tons of solid waste. The remaining mounds at Fresh Kills stopped accepting waste in 2001. The closure of Fresh Kills landfill began in 1997 when two of the four mounds were closed and covered with a thick, impermeable cap. The landfill officially closed for good on March 22, 2001.
The closure of Fresh Kills landfill was a significant milestone in the history of waste management in New York City. The landfill had been a major source of pollution and had a negative impact on the health of Staten Island residents. The closure of the landfill has led to a significant improvement in the quality of life for Staten Island residents and has helped to protect the environment.
Sources
- Fresh Kills Landfill – NYC Parks
- Fresh Kills Landfill – Wikipedia
- Fresh Kills Landfill Officially Closes for Good – NY1 News
FAQs
When did Fresh Kills landfill close?
Fresh Kills landfill officially closed on March 22, 2001.
Why was Fresh Kills landfill closed?
Fresh Kills landfill was closed due to environmental concerns and community pressure. The landfill was a major source of pollution and had a negative impact on the health of Staten Island residents.
What is the history of Fresh Kills landfill?
Fresh Kills landfill opened in 1948 as a temporary landfill but became the principal landfill for household garbage collected in New York City. At its peak in 1986, Fresh Kills received 29,000 short tons of residential waste per day. From 1991 until its closure, Fresh Kills was the only landfill to accept New York City’s residential waste.
What is the future of Fresh Kills landfill?
The Fresh Kills landfill is being transformed into a park. The park will be three times the size of Central Park and will include a variety of recreational facilities and green spaces.
How big was Fresh Kills landfill?
The Fresh Kills landfill covered 2,200 acres in Staten Island, New York City.
How much waste did Fresh Kills landfill receive?
At its peak in 1986, Fresh Kills landfill received 29,000 short tons of residential waste per day.
How many mounds were at Fresh Kills landfill?
There were four mounds at Fresh Kills landfill, ranging in height from 90 to about 225 feet.