Rethinking Waste

A bulldozer pushes a large pile of debris and garbage at lcswma landfill site, highlighting the growing problem of waste management as the sun shines brightly in the background and dust rises into the air.

The Hidden ValueIf you think your trash doesn’t have value, think again. At LCSWMA, we view waste as a resource.

The Global Waste ChallengeEvery year, the world generates massive amounts of waste. We have a responsibility to explore innovative solutions for trash disposal and transform what is discarded into a source of clean, renewable energy.

A lcswma worker wearing a neon yellow safety jacket and hard hat stands outdoors at a worksite, with dirt piles and trees in the background, in the early morning or late afternoon light.

The System Behind SustainabilityTrash impacts all of us. Our integrated system enables us to do our part in sustainably managing approximately 1,000,000 tons of waste annually.

We save what can be recycled.

We turn what can’t be recycled into clean energy.

We conserve land through responsible landfilling.

We invest in our community.

A large, industrial paper machine with metal walkways and pipes inside a factory, illuminated by overhead lights, highlights the Rethinking Waste approach to modern manufacturing.

Waste In, Energy OutWe use waste-to-energy to turn non-hazardous waste that cannot be recycled into electricity that powers communities.

Bulldozers move piles of debris and waste at a lcswma site, showcasing waste management efforts, with wind turbines standing in the background against a cloudy sky.

See the transformation.

50%

Approximately 50% of Lancaster County’s waste is recycled annually.

280K

Around 501K tons of Lancaster and Dauphin Counties’ waste is processed via WTE annually

292M

An average of 292M kWh of electricity is generated by LCSWMA’s waste-to-energy facilities.

Rethink your lesson planLCSWMA offers lesson plans and resources to help teachers educate students about recycling, recovery, and sustainability.

Stacks of flattened and open cardboard boxes are piled on a paved surface outdoors, inviting thoughts of Rethinking Waste in this residential or commercial area, with buildings and greenery in the background.

Rethink Waste At HomeLooking for responsible waste management tips for everyday living?

Find Sustainable Solutions

A large silver semi-truck with a colorful trailer is parked at lcswma station under a clear blue sky. The trailer displays eco-friendly advertisements, rethinking waste with green and blue graphics and text.