Eastern Laramie County Landfill

The Eastern Laramie County Landfill serves as a vital solid‘waste disposal facility for portions of Laramie County, Wyoming, offering residents and businesses a place to drop off a wide variety of waste materials. Located north of Burns at 4990 CR 216, it is operated by the Eastern Laramie County Solid Waste Disposal District, a special district established to manage solid‘waste needs in the region.contentReference[oaicite1] Over time, it has developed offerings, policies and community‘aware practices that reflect the unique environment and regulatory framework of rural Wyoming. Understanding the landfill’s location, operations, accepted materials, fees and regulations sheds light on how it contributes to waste management in eastern Laramie County and beyond.

Facility Overview and Location

The landfill is situated at 4990 County Road 216, just north of the town of Burns in eastern Laramie County.contentReference[oaicite2] From Interstate 80, travelers reach the site by heading north on State Highway 213 for about five miles, then turning east on County Road 216 and following signage to the facility.contentReference[oaicite3] Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, from 730 a.m. to 330 p.m., making it accessible for residential users, small businesses and contractors in the area.contentReference[oaicite4] The landfill’s proximity to Burns and its infrastructure allow it to serve as a central disposal hub for the School District #2 area and other users in the eastern portion of the county.

Management and Organizational Structure

The operation of the landfill is overseen by the Eastern Laramie County Solid Waste Disposal District, a special district set up to meet regional waste‘management needs.contentReference[oaicite5] The site lists key staff including a manager (Mike Ragsdale) and office manager (Vicki Purdum), along with drivers and operators who maintain day‘to‘day operations.contentReference[oaicite6] The special‘district structure provides a dedicated governing board and budget for example the FY 2024 proposed budget highlights monies set aside for future cell capping and expansion of landfill infrastructure.contentReference[oaicite7] This administrative backbone ensures accountability, regulatory compliance and planning for long‘term environmental stewardship in the region.

What the Landfill Accepts and Fees

The Eastern Laramie County Landfill accepts a wide array of materials from residential and commercial customers alike. Under the slogan We’re pretty proud to have made it this far, so help us keep a good thing going; drop off any lithium batteries with our office when you get here, for our safety and yours, the facility outlines accepted items and important safety notes.contentReference[oaicite8]

Accepted Materials

Among the materials the landfill will take with no questions asked are

• Appliances
• Dead animals
• Manure
• Drill cuttings from oil rigs
• Electronics
• Green waste (grass clippings, branches, yard trimmings)
• Mattresses
• Non‘friable asbestos items

The facility also accepts items that require special screening or notification, such as batteries, hazardous materials, paint and tires. Users are asked to inform the attendant when bringing these materials.contentReference[oaicite9]

Fees and Minimum Charges

The base fee for disposed material is $40 per ton, with a minimum charge of $20 per load.contentReference[oaicite10] Additional fees may apply for certain items like tires or hazardous waste disposal. The transparency of these fees helps users plan ahead and avoid surprises at drop‘off.

Operational Practices and Safety Considerations

Operating a landfill in eastern Wyoming requires attention to environmental and safety regulations, as well as practical considerations unique to the region’s climate and geography. The Eastern Laramie County Landfill addresses these through standard operating hours, signage, staff training and user education.

Load Securing and Hazard Rules

The landfill requests that users properly secure loads when arriving, particularly when transporting items that may shift during travel. The mention of lithium batteries burning the whole place down underscores the attention to fire risk and hazardous materials.contentReference[oaicite11]

Future Planning and Expansion

Looking ahead, the landfill’s FY 2024 budget includes provisions for future cell area #3, along with offices, shops and transfer facilities.contentReference[oaicite12] This kind of planning demonstrates that the facility is preparing for continued regional growth and evolving waste‘management demands. The governance structure ensures that the landfill can meet environmental standards, grow capacity and remain a sustainable asset.

Community Role and Environmental Impact

The landfill plays a significant role in supporting the community in eastern Laramie County by providing a centralized, regulated way to manage waste rather than relying on ad hoc disposal or less‘regulated options. It also helps local governments meet state and federal environmental obligations regarding landfill operation.

Support for Schools and Local Stakeholders

Serving the region of Laramie County School District #2 is part of the landfill’s mandate, and local stakeholders appreciate the facility’s responsiveness and accessibility.contentReference[oaicite13] Because the landfill staff are largely Wyoming natives, the service has a regional character that builds local trust and familiarity.

Environmental Safeguards

While specific environmental data is not readily available in public summaries, the landfill is subject to Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and district oversight. A referenced docket (09‘5801) with the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council illustrates that regulatory frameworks are applied.contentReference[oaicite14] Users of the facility should remain aware of best practices for recycling, proper disposal of hazardous materials, and the importance of following site rules to maintain environmental compliance.

How to Use the Landfill Practical Tips

For residents, contractors and visitors planning to use the Eastern Laramie County Landfill, a few practical tips can help ensure a smooth drop‘off experience.

Before You Go

• Secure your load Use tarps or covers as needed especially during travel on rural roads.
• Sort your materials Separate green waste, electronics and general trash where possible.
• Check for hazardous items Bring any batteries, paints or chemicals to the attendant and declare them.
• Bring payment Minimum fee applies; verify current rates before the trip.

Upon Arrival

Arrive during business hours (730 a.m. 330 p.m., Monday Saturday) and follow signage for drop‘off areas. Inform the attendant of any special materials. For large loads like oil‘rig cuttings, call ahead for guidance. Staff can help direct you to the correct location inside the facility.contentReference[oaicite15]

The Eastern Laramie County Landfill is more than a dump it is a structured, community‘serving facility that balances waste‘disposal needs, environmental regulation and practical accessibility. By operating with clear hours, transparent fees and a broad acceptance of both ordinary and special waste streams, the landfill plays a key role in eastern Wyoming’s infrastructure. For residents, businesses and institutions, understanding how the site works from location and accepted materials to operational rules and fees empowers better waste‘management decisions and promotes responsible disposal. As the facility continues planning for expansion and improved services, it remains a crucial asset for the region’s environmental health and community well‘being.