March 19, 2024

GPS systems to make Newton landfill more efficient

To help better utilize the space available at the Newton landfill, GPS equipment will be utilized in equipment. City council approved the purchase that has the potential savings of $20,000 to $40,000.

Using a GPS system on equipment in the landfill can extend the landfill cell life and reduce equipment costs. The GPS will be mounted in the cab of the equipment and provide the operator accurate horizontal and vertical positions of the equipment.

Through research of other landfills who implemented a GPS system, the city anticipates it will save 10 to 20 percent in landfill airspace by adequately compacting garbage and utilizing available space on the edges of the constructed cell.

“The GPS lets the compactor operator know when the preset compaction goal is met so no more passes with the machine are required,” acting city administrator Katrina Davis said. “If the garbage is under compacted, the constructed airspace is not effectively utilized. If the garbage is over compacted, unnecessary fuel is wasted and unproductive hours are logged on the machine.”

Landfill CAD design drawings will be loaded into the GPS software to show the operators the boundaries of the cells and the finished design grade.

“Filling the landfill cell is similar to constructing a pyramid,” Davis said. “Garbage cannot be placed outside the boundaries of the underlying cell liner and the side slopes need to be constructed according to plans.”

To assist with future planning and budgeting of new cells and the capping of filled cells, the volume of available airspace in needed. The city currently spends approximately $4,000 per year on surveying the landfill for the airspace volume using in-house and contracted services.

“The GPS unit collects data continuously as the machines operates in the active cell areas,” Davis said. “The GPS software program converts this data to volume used and available airspace. This allows staff to obtain reports whenever needed for planning and budgeting purposes.”

A low bid from Carlson RDO Integrated Controls of Minn. was selected in the amount of $60,380. With potentials cost saving of $20,000 per year in landfill construction costs and $4,000 in survey costs, the system could be paid back in two and a half years. The anticipated equipment life is seven years.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com