Looking to the north, here is the recently completed Phase 5A cell of the landfill. Underneath this gravel are many layers of clay, rock, soil, and geomembrane.

This is the HDPE Geomembrane liner used when building a new landfill cell. Along with layers of clay, gravel, and soil, this is an important piece in protecting groundwater and soil from the contents of the landfill.

We have roll of dumpsters nearby our office for those with very small loads of garbage who don’t need to go up to the open site. (1 of 2)

When they are full, we take them up there and dump ‘em ourselves! (2 of 2)

If you would like to bring a group to tour the Solid Waste Department, please reach out: 877-270-3989. (2 of 2)

We recently used our new tour bus for the very first time! Thanks to the Board of Directors at Recycling Connections for visiting us. (1 of 1)

We are so happy to provide for these creatures on the MCSWD property! (3 of 3)

MCSWD staff member Abby enjoys the beautiful day as she installs new bluebird nesting boxes. (2 of 3)

At the Solid Waste Department we have a healthy collection of wildlife. We recently installed more bluebird nesting boxes and replaced some that were getting worn. (1 of 3)

While it was a little rainy and cold we still thought it was a great day to celebrate spring by attending the North Central WI Master Gardener’s plant sale. (1 of 4)

Families and individuals came to purchase plants for their home gardens. Whether vegetables or perennial flowers, there were lots to choose from! (2 of 4)

We donated a kitchen pail and Desiree, photographed here, was the lucky winner! (3 of 4)

We donated a Home Composter to the even and Cloe, pictured here, was the lucky winner! (4 of 4)

Here at the Solid Waste Department, we accept material from all over the state. When loads of garbage come in with loose plastic bags it is inevitable that the wind will pick them up and drop them somewhere else. We are always doing our best to keep our facility and the land surrounding it clean (photo from our last litter-pick). You can help us do that by minimizing the amount of loose plastic material in your garbage.

Marathon County Solid Waste Department Facebook follower John, of Knowlton, pledged to Recycle Right and won a $100 gift card! Congratulations and thank you for recycling right!

The Marathon County Bomb Squad needed a location near Hatley to detonate a cache of very old and unstable dynamite found in an old barn. It was determined that an old sand pit at the Solid Waste Department was the nearest, best option for this. (1 of 2)

Crater left by the detonation. Thank you to the Bomb Squad, Ringle Fire Department, EMS Staff, Sheriff Department deputies, and Marathon County Emergency Management Director for their work in executing this potentially dangerous situation with such expertise. (2 of 2)

Bark is a clean material that can be used as intermediate cover on side banks of the landfill. Since this cover contains organic material, it serves to help with erosion control and surface emissions of landfill gas. (1 of 2)

Bark is a clean material that can be used as intermediate cover on side banks of the landfill. Since this cover contains organic material, it serves to help with erosion control and surface emissions of landfill gas. (2 of 2)

Now that the snow is melted, it’s time to fix the silt fence around the sediment drains. Silt fencing stops the sediment and trash from getting into drains and eventually into our sediment ponds. This is after repair.

Now that the snow is melted, it’s time to fix the silt fence around the sediment drains. Silt fencing stops the sediment and trash from getting into drains and eventually into our sediment ponds. This is before…

In September 2016 Phases 3 & 4 of Bluebird Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility were certified to have been completed according to all regulatory standards (pictured). This summer (2019) will mark the beginning of construction on Phase 5 of Bluebird Ridge.

This project hits the mark for two of the strategic goals of the Marathon County Solid Waste Department: 1) To incubate business related to recycling and waste reduction, and; 2) Create incentives that support recycling. We are so proud to partner with ERbin, the Village of Weston, Portage County Solid Waste, and Advanced Disposal on economic development and recycling right!

With the coming of spring we often feel a sense to purge! When you're cleaning out your garage this spring remember that the Solid Waste Department provides all kinds of services, including the ability to recycle appliances and electronics. Fees can vary.

By 7:00 this morning we already had 5 semis ready to unload...400,000 lbs and counting.

Along with all the flooding from snow melt, mud from frost thawing, and increased traffic as weight limits go on, these are all part of the daily challenges of landfill operations here at the Marathon County Solid Waste Department!

We all know how the weather can complicate life...and it can definitely cause some problems with waste collection and disposal operations. Freezing temperatures and open dumpsters don’t always mix well. What used to come out of a roll-off quite easily is now a 10 ton frozen block of garbage! When loads like this come to our site for disposal, this box scraper (basically a giant pancake flipper) will make easy work of whatever mother nature decides to throw its way.

We are so excited that a program we helped fund (along with 14 other individuals and entities) is going to be aired this weekend on public television! Into the Outdoors is a series that educates kids and adults alike on various matters relating to our natural resources. The newest episode, coming this Saturday (1/26/19), is all about solid waste and recycling...where it comes from, where it goes, and the implications of it all.

You can check out the broadcast guide linked here to see what channel it will be on in your area. Eventually it will be available to Wisconsin educators with associated curricula to teach in the classroom.

Representing at the Wausau Winter Market at the Boys and Girls Club. We like being at public events like this to answer your questions about garbage and recycling face-to-face. We’ve already settled a few household debates about plastic bags and film and aseptic packaging.

New single track trail on the Solid Waste Department property! Read about it in the Wausau Daily Herald.