YORK COUNTY, Pa. — York County’s largest landfill, once expected to shut down by 2025, will now remain open for several more years as Republic Services changes how it operates the site. The decision is drawing renewed criticism from environmental advocates.

Republic Services says its Modern Landfill is extending its lifespan by sharply reducing how much waste it accepts and by compacting trash more densely. The company previously warned the landfill was running out of space and nearing closure.

“At its 2025 acceptance rate, the landfill only had 1.5 years of life remaining,” a Republic Services spokesperson told FOX43. “To help extend its lifespan, Modern Landfill is reducing the volume it accepts by more than 40% of its 2025 average.”

The company says enhanced compaction methods combined with lower intake volumes are significantly extending the landfill’s life while remaining within state environmental permits.

Environmental advocates argue that keeping the landfill open longer prolongs environmental risks, particularly to nearby waterways.

“As long as the landfill remains open and it’s not capped and closed, we will continue to see pollution enter our waterways,” said Ted Evgeniadis, a Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper who has closely followed the site’s impacts.

Modern Landfill has faced years of scrutiny over pollution concerns tied to Kreutz Creek and other nearby waterways. In 2025, a judge ruled against the landfill in a years-long pollution case, adding to community concerns about ongoing environmental impacts.

Republic Services maintains it is operating in compliance with state regulations. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection renewed the landfill’s operating permit, and its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits in 2024, according to the company.

Evgeniadis says that regardless of how long the landfill stays open, its presence will continue to affect the surrounding community.

“That site is going to remain a permanent scar in that community,” he said.

He argues that closing and capping the landfill sooner would reduce the amount of contaminated water moving through the site and could lead to further environmental improvements. Evgeniadis envisions the site eventually being restored with vegetation and green space, benefiting both wildlife and residents.

The operational shift also has financial implications for local governments. Host fees paid to Windsor and Lower Windsor townships will continue, but at lower levels because of the reduced waste intake. Republic Services says both municipalities were notified as they prepared their 2026 budgets.

The company says some waste may be diverted to other landfills but insists customers will not see disruptions.

“We’ll continue to work with our customers to ensure their disposal needs are met and there are no service disruptions during this transition,” Nick Adams, the general manager of Modern Landfill.