Buried in Trash: The Northeast Landfill Crisis and the Push for Smarter Screening

1 min read

The Northeast landfill crisis is escalating, with tipping fees climbing higher than anywhere else in the country. According to the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), the average tipping fee in the region soared to a record $84.44 per ton—the highest in the country—despite a slight national decline in 2023. Meanwhile, smaller counties are bracing for even steeper increases—Seneca Meadows’ hauler raised rates by 11% in late 2024, forcing tight budgets in local governments in Sullivan County, NY.

Faced with these pressures, towns are scrambling to find alternatives to landfill hauling. In Albany, officials scrapped a failed bid for a new transfer station and are redesigning proposals to replace the closing Rapp Road landfill, anticipated to close by 2028 (Times Union+1). Similarly, Manchester, CT is expanding its Olcott Street landfill by 8.5 acres after plans to close were delayed (erefdn.org+12CT Insider+12Sullivan County NY+12).

The Cost of Every Ton

Every ton of waste dumped into a landfill now represents a growing expense—and a missed opportunity to recover valuable material. Towns searching for landfill alternatives in NY and CT are recognizing that more innovative screening technology can cut costs while driving more sustainable waste management.

Smarter Screening with the Dual Force Vibratory Screening Bucket

The Dual Force Vibratory Screening Bucket is helping municipalities, contractors, and haulers fight back against rising costs:

• Screen construction debris (C&D), soils, organics, and street sweepings before disposal
• Recover soil and aggregate for reuse directly on-site
• Reduce landfill volume instantly and lower tipping fees

In test runs, Dual Force users slashed hauling needs by up to 50%, capturing fine materials on-site and lowering tipping fees dramatically. Every ton recovered is one less to judge your budget—and one step closer to sustainable waste management.

A Path to Sustainable Waste Management

As tipping fees continue to rise, sustainable waste management solutions are no longer optional—they’re essential. With smarter screening, every ton kept out of the landfill helps balance budgets, extend landfill life, and move communities closer to sustainability.

Smarter screening isn’t optional — It’s essential. See how Dual Force is making it possible. Schedule a demo or get a quote.