September 7, 2026. Lake County is planning for a possible expansion of its landfill while exploring ways to use the property to produce solar energy and turn landfill gas into renewable natural gas (RNG).
County commissioners approved a $700,000 study of the Lake County Solid Waste Facility that will help determine whether and how the landfill can be expanded.
The study, which will be conducted by Mannik & Smith Group Inc., is needed as the county prepares to seek state approval for a new section of the landfill. Seven firms expressed interest in the work, and the county interviewed three before selecting Mannik & Smith.
At the same time, the county is moving ahead with two projects aimed at getting more use out of the landfill property. One would capture landfill gas and turn it into renewable natural gas, while the other would install solar panels at the site.
The county previously asked companies interested in its landfill solar and gas projects to submit their qualifications. It will now ask selected companies for detailed proposals explaining what they would build, how the projects would be financed and how long they would take.
County officials said in documents that the solar project could help lower costs and make better use of the landfill property. The gas project would explore whether gas produced as waste decomposes at the landfill can be captured and put to use rather than going unused.