Wouldn’t it be more economical to hire a private company to service the region’s solid waste management needs?

The idea that a private waste company will provide less expensive service than a public entity is not borne out by the facts. Although large corporations are often able to purchase goods, services, and equipment at a volume discount, a public entity does not have to generate a profit, support corporate overhead, or appease stockholders. About half of the landfills in Texas are operated by municipalities. The cities of Denton, Grand Prairie, Arlington, and Wichita Falls, for example, are among those that operate landfills. Not only do many cities provide comparable or better service at competitive prices, but they are also able to support other local projects out of revenue generated from this service.

Is TASWA capable of meeting the same high standards of landfill operation as a private landfill operator?

Yes. State and federal regulations clearly establish and enforce the same standards for public and private landfill operations. Designed and constructed by leading landfill experts and consultants, the TASWA facility will be a state-of-the-art, modern sanitary landfill. Moreover, a qualified Site Manager and Site Operators have been or will be hired to operate the landfill. TASWA will fill or have filled these positions, drawing from substantially the same talent pools as private waste companies in North Texas. Site personnel will meet the qualifications detailed in TASWA’s permit application, including appropriate training and experience.

Won’t TASWA’s landfill result in a substantial loss of tax revenues?

No. The impact on tax revenues will be minimal because the land TASWA purchased was already exempt by an agricultural lease. Moreover, landfill operations, including landfill employees and vendors, will contribute significantly to the local economies which will, in turn, benefit area services including schools.

Won’t the landfill cause a decline in nearby property values?

Throughout the state, research at other landfills has shown no decline in property values and, in many cases, nearby property values have actually increased around well-designed and operated facilities.

Won't the landfill create traffic problems on area roads?

Access to the site will be via State Highway 56. Enhancements will be made, as needed, to facilitate easy entrance to and exit from the landfill. TASWA estimates that traffic on Highway 56 will increase approximately five percent over current Texas Department of Transportation traffic counts. At the same time, traffic on FM 901 is expected to rise less than one percent. There should be no measurable increase in traffic on Old Sanborn Ranch Road or Utley/Lone Star Road. County roads should be free of landfill vehicles except for trash collection trucks on their normal routes.