Watsonville’s landfill is set to reopen Tuesday, about seven years after it closed when it reached its previous capacity.
A grand reopening ceremony will take place from 11 a.m. to noon at 730 San Andreas Rd., following the construction of Cell 4, the fourth of five planned cells for the landfill.
The landfill had closed in 2018 after Cell 3 reached capacity. Since then, solid waste has gone 20 miles away to a Monterey Regional Waste Management District facility in Marina.
Reopening the Watsonville landfill will save the city $1.8 million annually in external landfill services. Recycling and organic waste will still go to Marina.
“This is a significant milestone,” said Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco. “Reopening the landfill strengthens our ability to manage waste locally, keeping costs down for residents and ensuring a more sustainable future.”
At 7.1 acres, Cell 4 is able to process roughly 60 tons of solid waste daily. Its facilities include excavation, grading, drainage enhancements and a new trash compactor. Cell 4 will reach capacity in 25 years, at which point Cell 5 will open with an estimated lifespan of 50 years.
The project was funded by a $6 million Infrastructure State Revolving Fund loan from the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (iBank).
Have news that should be in Lookout Briefs? Send your press releases, including contact information, to news@lookoutlocal.com.
