The top 5 most profitable landfills in the United States.

America generates over 290 million tons of trash every year. According to the EPA, more than 146 million tons of this waste is in landfills. While most people would see waste as a threat to the environment, landfill owners see it as a profitable business opportunity. They make money and protect the environment simultaneously.

The two leaders in the garbage industry are Republic Services and Waste Management. Leveraging modern technology, they turn trash into money by tapping into landfill gas and selling it to businesses.

1. Location: California

Operator: Republic Services

Tons per day: 9000

The Sunshine Canyon landfill rests on 1036 acres of land, but only 363 acres are used for waste disposal. It's home to non-hazardous waste from commercial and residential establishments.

2. Location: California

Operator: Waste Management

Tons per day: About 9000

The El Sobrante landfill rests on 1322 acres of land, but only 468 acres can be used for waste disposal. The operator has set aside over 600 acres for permanent wildlife preservation and has a landfill gas collection system. The system generates energy that powers thousands of homes. The landfill's estimated life expectancy is nearly 40 years. It will close approximately in 2061.

3. Location: California

Operator: OC Waste & Recycling

Tons per day: 8500

The site rests on 725 acres of land but only 534 is set aside for waste disposal. The government has permitted the landfill to receive 11,500 tons of waste per day, but the annual average is 8500 tons. It's a commercial-only landfill public disposal is allowed, and municipal solid waste is only accepted after verification of commercial status.

4. Location: Colorado

Operator: Waste Management

Tons per day: About 8000

Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site in Aurora lies on 2364 acres of land, but only 1363 acres can be used for disposal. The landfill processes about 2.1 million tons of garbage. With 211 gas collection wells, the gas-to-energy plant in the landfill powers over 25,000 homes yearly in Colorado.

5. Location: Oregon

Operator: Waste Management

Tons per day: About 8000

Columbia Ridge landfill is located in north central Oregon. It lies on 12,000 acres of land, but only 700 acres are permitted for disposal. The landfill receives approximately 2 million tons of waste annually. However, the site processed 2.9 million tons of garbage in 2021. Columbia Ridge still has space for about 320 million tons of waste, which means the landfill has a long life expectancy. It primarily serves households, businesses, and industries from Oregon and Washington.

The facility leverages wind power and environmentally friendly technologies to convert waste into clean energy. It has over 100 wells for collecting landfill gas that is transformed into electricity that can power about 12500 homes.