FAQ

Forward Landfill is owned and operated by Forward, Inc.

Currently, the facility accepts approximately 4,000 tons of waste per day.

The waste disposed of at Forward Landfill is generated at homes and businesses from all across San Joaquin County and neighboring municipalities.

Forward Landfill accepts municipal solid waste, commercial waste and non-hazardous industrial waste. We cannot accept tires, batteries, or hazardous waste.

There are many environmental protection systems at Forward Landfill, including but not limited to, the following:

Engineered Landfill Liner System: The liner at the base of the landfill consists of a 2-foot compacted clay liner, a high-density polyethylene liner, a fabric drainage layer, stone drainage corridors and leachate collection pipes, and 1 foot of protective cover. In total, there are 4 feet of constructed liner between the waste and the natural environment. All of the liners are thoroughly tested to meet regulations and ensure proper engineering construction standards.

Stormwater Collection: Rainwater, which does not touch any waste, must also be managed appropriately. Storm water runoff is collected and contained in a detention pond, which allows soil particles to be removed.

Groundwater Monitoring: Forward Landfill assesses groundwater with 64 individual groundwater monitoring wells. Groundwater samples are collected and analyzed on a quarterly basis and reported to the state.

Gas collection: Once trash is disposed of, it naturally decomposes and produces gas. A landfill gas management system collects gas through a series of pipes and more than 231 gas wells. The system is monitored in accordance with local, state and federal requirements.

Partial Final Capping: Once we bring our elevation to final grade, we place a final cover over the top to entomb the waste. This cover keeps liquids out, supports landfill gas collection and reduces surface emissions.

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Division, CalRECYCLE, San Joaquin County Health Department are the primary agencies that provides the regulatory permitting, enforcement, and operational compliance oversight. Forward Landfill is inspected at least quarterly.

The residents and businesses in our area generate thousands of tons of municipal solid waste on a daily basis. Forward Landfill serves as one outlet for proper disposal for this waste.

The Landfill is an integral part of the local economy and infrastructure. It provides jobs for local residents and affordable, responsible waste disposal options for residents and businesses.

Proper daily operations are critical to environmentally sound waste disposal. All employees at Forward Landfill are trained to handle incoming waste in the most environmentally responsible manner. Access to the site is limited to one entrance/exit. The facility records and tracks all waste shipments with gate receipts and a network of video cameras. Each load of incoming waste is visually inspected to ensure that only permitted materials are accepted for disposal. Once unloaded, the waste is visually inspected again. At the end of each working day, daily cover is placed over the waste. Steps are also taken to control dust, litter and odor. Periodic watering of access roads prevents dust from rising when trucks travel in and out of the landfill. Litter is minimized by limiting the size of the active disposal area, applying daily cover and using fencing on windy days to catch blowing materials. Any litter that blows off-site is collected by landfill personnel.

Landfill gas and odors are controlled with responsible landfill management practices such as waste compaction, applying daily cover per our permit, and the use of an effective landfill gas collection and control system, which includes 231 individual landfill gas wells and an on-site landfill gas-to-energy plant. The landfill gas system is monitored frequently, enhanced regularly and expanded as needed. Landfill personnel also conduct routine off-site odor inspections to detect and manage potential off-site odor.

Because the Landfill is located near the Stockton Metropolitan Airport, Forward has implemented an extensive bird control program. The program consists primarily of falconry but also uses bird flares, whistles, and other noisemakers, to discourage birds. Properly compacting and covering waste at the end of each operating day further minimizes the potential for birds feeding at the site. Continuation of the program is required by the Forward Landfill’s use permit with the County.

There is capacity for approximately 20 more years of disposal at current disposal rates.

Once the Landfill is filled to capacity, a final landfill capping system will be installed that consists of an engineered soil liner, cover soils, and a vegetation layer. The site will also be maintained for an additional 30 years in post-closure care after the final closure.  This care includes continued groundwater monitoring, leachate management, and compliance reporting until such time regulators approve the site for final closure.

Organic waste can decompose within months, while non-organic waste such as plastics and glass can take much longer to start to decompose.

Forward Landfill is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am-6:00 pm and Saturday from 6:00 am-Noon. Forward Landfill is closed on Sundays and major holidays.

Yes, landfill tours are offered.  Please arrange a time for a group tour.