The Hope Landfill is a sophisticated and highly regulated facility, responsible for much more than simply being a place for trash. The department oversees two distinct areas: a Class 1 landfill for household garbage collected curbside, and a Class 4 landfill for items like lumber, furniture, and other construction and demolition debris. What makes the Hope facility unique is its method of handling waste. According to Superintendent Mark Curtis, they are the only landfill in the state of Arkansas that bales its trash. This process involves compacting the waste into large, dense bales before they are placed in the landfill. This technique is designed to maximize space and significantly extend the life of the landfill, ensuring its sustainability for future generations. The scale of their operation is immense; each week, the team processes approximately 170 bales, which amounts to about 150 tons of household trash from the city's collection trucks alone.

The work of the landfill crew is governed by strict regulations from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) as well as federal laws. “We have to dispose of it in a manner to follow ADEQ regulations,” Curtis explains. “It has to be disposed of safely.” The facility undergoes rigorous inspections every quarter to ensure all standards are being met. This commitment to compliance is a cornerstone of their mission. Curtis is quick to praise his team's dedication to these high standards. "They're hard workers, they go above and beyond to make sure that everything is done according to the state and federal regulations," he says. "We just take a lot of pride in everything we do."

This pride is evident in the meticulous care of the entire facility. The team is responsible for the full maintenance of the property, which includes the active landfill cells and older, covered sections. This involves regular mowing and bush hogging to keep the large site in order. Their forward-thinking approach has ensured the landfill has a projected lifespan of 38 to 40 years for its newest section.

The work performed by the Hope Sanitation Landfill Department is a critical final step in our community’s waste management system. It is a complex, demanding job that requires skill, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to public and environmental safety.

Join SWARK.Today as we salute Superintendent Mark Curtis and the entire team at the City of Hope Landfill. Their efforts protect our environment and ensure a healthier community for everyone. This team is pictured above and their names are as follows:

Antonio Young

Ricky Sanders

Joseph MacDonald

Jason Flesher

Mark Curtis (Superintendent) 

For residents needing to use the facility, the landfill is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

Stay tuned for our next SWARK Service Spotlight to learn more about the dedicated public servants who make our communities better every day.