Dive Brief:

• Officials in Sonoma County authorized the transfer of the shuttered Central landfill in California to a private firm.
• The new operator, Republic Services, will handle operations beginning April 1.
• The estimated $650 million agreement spans 25 years.

Dive Insight:

The landfill was closed in 2005 by water-quality regulators. In April, Republic will begin working on a 10-acre expansion; upon completion, the landfill will be capable of handling an increased amount of waste. 

The deal struck by the county and Republic protects the waste and recycling company from any litigation costs regarding composting, while serving to alleviate the county’s liability issues.