The Orange County Landfill provides vital services to our residents by collecting locally-generated solid waste. Alongside the eight convenient collection sites located throughout the County, the Landfill collects additional items, beyond everyday household trash, that cannot be disposed of in a collection site container, such as brush, white goods, construction debris, and more. Exciting Changes Unloading at the Orange County Landfill By: Orange County Communications Department
What is a sanitary landfill , anyway? It may sound like an oxymoron, but a sanitary landfill is a type of solid waste disposal facility that is specially-engineered to contain collected waste and protect the surrounding environment. To prevent leaks, the collection area (called a cell) is protected by a specially-made liner. Hazardous waste cannot be collected, and the solid waste that is collected is covered every day. Learn more in the Code of Virginia.
Our Landfill is much more than a “dump.” In fact, the facility is a sanitary landfill that operates under multiple regulatory permits (including those related to solid waste, stormwater, and air pollution). To ensure compliance, the Landfill is inspected every quarter by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Given the facility’s vital role to the public and the extensive regulatory structure in place, landfill operation is a complex and challenging undertaking. Since 2008, the working face (the “backend” of the landfill which is actively receiving waste) has been managed for the County by a contracted vendor. Those responsibilities have included pushing and compacting waste appropriately and applying the required daily cover. Operators also monitor for unacceptable waste being brought by patrons, and conduct random inspections as required by DEQ.
However, Orange County is excited to move forward with plans to bring all landfill operations “in-house” this year. This transition is planned for July 1, 2026, with equipment procurement and staff planning already underway. After thoughtful examination by staff and careful consideration by both administration and the Board, this shift was approved and funded by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. It is expected to result in significant annual cost savings.
Above: Orange County has begun responsible, cost- effective procurement for this transition, including the above pre-owned off-road dump truck.
Along with these changes, Orange County’s collection sites will be undergoing a strategic review to improve operations. This overhaul includes consideration of important upgrades at the sites. While still in the planning stages and expected to be implemented over several years, one item under review is the expansion of recycling compactors to sites that lack one. Currently available at the Barboursville, Lake of the Woods, Locust Grove, and Porter Road (collocated with the Landfill) collection sites, compactors provide significant benefits to residents, such as increased collection capacity and ease of disposal. They also provide benefits to County operations, including cost savings and improved safety and cleanliness. In addition, the transition will support expanded recycling services and potentially allow the collection and hauling of recyclables to be managed in-house.
Above: Orange County operates many convenient collection sites. Below: Recycling compactors allow greater collection capacity and improved resident convenience.
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OCI January 2026
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