TODAY…

The Camino Real Landfill and Camino Real Environmental Center, Inc. (the landfill’s operator) are New Mexico corporations and wholly owned subsidiaries of Waste Connections, Inc., a public company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WCN.

The Camino Real Landfill is a 480-acre regional landfill, and accepts non-hazardous residential, commercial and industrial waste. Camino Real is permitted to serve Sunland Park, New Mexico, southern Dona Ana County in New Mexico, El Paso, Texas, and U.S. companies operating in Mexico (maquiladora plants).

 

Camino Real is operating under a ten-year permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). The current permit expires in 2007. In March 2006, Camino Real began the permit renewal process, to apply for another ten year permit.

 

IN THE BEGINNING….

Back in the 1970's, the site that is now the Camino Real Landfill was the scene of uncontrolled dumping by the residents of the area and the nearby racetrack. Fires broke out spontaneously and burned above and below ground continuously for years.

 

In 1987, the area was purchased by JOAB, Inc., and became the Nu-Mex landfill. A clean-up process began immediately to create a clean, environmentally sound landfill; upgrades included liner systems and environmental monitoring networks to assure groundwater was not affected by the Landfill.

 

 

 

In 1992, NMED issued a 5-year permit for operation of the landfill, under the name Camino Real Landfill.

 

In 1997, NMED issued a 10-year permit for operation.

 

OUR FIRST AWARD…

Also in 1997, Camino Real Landfill receives the “Gold Seal Excellence Award” and is named #1 in North America by the Solid Waste Association of North America.

 

In 1999, the Camino Real Landfill was purchased by Waste Connections, Inc., of California. Waste Connections is the third largest waste management operation in the United States.

 

Also in 1999, a methane gas collection and control system was installed to begin harvesting the gas created by decomposing organics in the waste pile.

 

OUR SECOND AWARD…

 

In 2002, New Mexico governor Gary Johnson awards Camino Real Landfill New Mexico’s Green Zia Environmental Excellence “Achievement” Award.

 

The Camino Real Landfill is situated to operate as a regional landfill through approximately the year 2050.