Landfills might be seen as a necessary evil, since communities produce trash. They also, however, produce harmful substances that can foul water, create health hazards, and significantly add to climate change. Seneca Meadows, New York's largest landfill, is not immune from those impacts, and as of Spring 2025 seeks an extension of its operating permit and a possible expansion.
On the episode of Deeper Shade of Green, the negative impacts some see from Seneca Meadows and the larger issues surrounding landfills. Seneca Lake Guardian VP Yvonne Taylor lays out a range of concerns, and reasons not to allow the landfill to continue operating. RMI environmental group Senior Associate Ellie Garland illustrates the threat of methane from landfills, while detailing a number of things that could help.
Research and production help for this episode from Hector Perez. Music from the Syracuse-based jazz group E.S.P.