Committed to Conservation and Community

DRPI LANDFILL IS MORE THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYE

BY CARLOS DIPRES RAMIREZ

Nestled within the Minquedele community, Waste Management’s (WM) Delaware Recyclable Products Inc. landfill (DRPI) in New Castle provides a critical environmental service to Delaware and communities in the Delaware Valley. As a permitted industrial waste landfill, we provide safe and affordable disposal for construction and demolition (C&D) debris, waste from commercial/ industrial processes, and other Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) approved waste streams. Our primary customer base includes C&D recycling facilities and general contractors working on development and redevelopment projects in the community.

DRPI operates on 205 acres that includes the landfill’s 145-acre disposal area and 38 additional acres, much of which is wooded buffer area. DRPI is permitted to accept up to 2,400 tons of waste of day and employs about a dozen professionals dedicated to safe operations and environmental protection. The facility utilizes state-of-the-art technology in the design and construction of the liner and landfill gas collection system and implements best management practices in the collection of stormwater, ensuring that the environment is not impacted by operations.

WM has a long history of supporting its communities and environmental stewardship through collaboration, community engagement, and environmental impact. The team at DRPI takes great pride in having an employee base that gives back to communities through volunteerism. In 2022, WM introduced a new social impact target—to positively impact 10 million people in our communities by 2030. Last year, WM employees documented nearly 625 volunteer hours during paid working hours.

Whenever possible, WM engages with local stakeholders to understand how to support specific community needs. The company gives back to communities through financial contributions, in-kind giving, participation on organization boards, and by sharing their expertise.

In Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, dedicated employees and volunteers work together to protect more than 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat. Four landfill facilities are Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) certified habitats; the WHC is a nonprofit that promotes and certifies habitat conservation and management of working lands through partnerships and education. The Wildlife Habitat Council has honored WM’s achievement in conservation with the Corporate Leadership Award, signifying an exemplary level of corporate commitment to biodiversity.

Through this partnership of more than 20 years, WM has transformed land across the country—primarily closed landfills and smaller buffer zones at transfer stations, recycling facilities and other facilities—into certified wildlife habitats. WM promotes sustainability, wildlife preservation, biodiversity, and environmental education at 73 WHC certified sites across North America. In partnership with the Brandywine Zoo and other local conservation partners, DPRI became Wildlife Habitat Council certified in 2021. By developing projects at the site and working with local community partners from the area, DRPI is actively working to support sustainability and environmental stewardship initiatives in New Castle County.

The DRPI facility is always looking for more partnerships to advance environmental education. Residents can learn more about DRPI by visiting www.wm.com/us/en/delawarerecyclable. For a group tour, contact Carlos Dipres at cdipres@wm.com.