Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for Jan. 13, 2026

Will County Landfill Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026

The Will County Board Landfill Committee met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to address operational improvements at the Prairie View Landfill and its associated Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plant. The meeting focused on future expansion plans, litter control, and significant capital equipment investments aimed at increasing revenue reliability.

RNG Plant Equipment Rental Review:
The committee discussed the ongoing rental costs for a telehandler and manlift at the RNG plant, which currently total nearly $12,000 per month. Committee members directed staff to investigate the feasibility of purchasing the equipment outright or converting the rental agreement to a lease-to-own model to save money. Staff was also instructed to stop renting the equipment through a third-party contractor to avoid markups and instead rent directly from the supplier.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Expansion:
Consultants confirmed that the county is pursuing both vertical and horizontal expansion permits for the landfill simultaneously. While vertical expansion is straightforward, the horizontal plan requires complex engineering to divert leachate pipes around existing waste cells.

Confidential Negotiations:
The committee briefly discussed stalled negotiations with Local 150 regarding land acquisition needed for the landfill expansion. Outside counsel Chuck Helston agreed to re-initiate contact with the union’s general counsel, potentially offering a land-for-dirt-removal deal that could serve as a training opportunity for union apprentices.

Tarping Enforcement:
Board Member Herbert Brooks Jr. raised questions about enforcing tarping regulations for trucks leaving the landfill. Staff clarified that while incoming trucks are required by state law to be tarped, the county’s host agreement also requires trucks to be clean before leaving. Staff committed to monitoring this more closely.

Return on Investment (ROI):
Regarding the proposed fourth compressor for the RNG plant, staff presented data estimating a 3 to 4.9-year return on investment. The additional unit is projected to stabilize production, allowing the plant to consistently hit higher revenue targets by avoiding downtime associated with the current three-compressor setup.