WM Liberty Landfill

About the Program
WM's Liberty Landfill, located in Monticello, Indiana, is a municipal solid waste landfill nestled into 480 acres of forest, wetland and grassland habitat. The program features 172 acres of habitat projects, including the forest area, food plot and grassland, wetland and pond. In addition, the team conducts an awareness and engagement project with local community members and Boy Scout troops. The team aims to improve habitat for wildlife, promote natural diversity and engage the community.

Practices and Impacts

• The team manages 56 acres of ponds and wetlands that contain wildlife enhancement techniques such as bird nesting structures (wood duck nesting boxes, tree swallow boxes, Canada goose tubs, etc.) and are stocked with game fish and underwater habitat structures.
• The ponds and wetlands on-site are managed for wildlife, promoting natural diversity and enhancing water quality. The Liberty Landfill fosters a better understanding and appreciation of natural resources, particularly water quality, plant and wildlife diversity, wildlife interactions and natural succession.
• The team also has been managing 48 acres of forest to preserve the existing forested areas of the landfill as well as create habitat for forest-dependent plants and animals in a primarily-agricultural area where forested areas are lacking.
• The 68-acre grassland habitat has been managed since 2003 for the purposes of turning idle land into a robust and thriving ecosystem that provides food, shelter and natural breeding areas for native plants and wildlife. Employees and local community groups such as scouts and under-resourced youth use the areas for hunting safety, fishing education and recreational use.