Nestled within a rural region of New York laid a community facing a critical decision regarding its waste management infrastructure. The County Landfill, in operation since 1981, served as a vital hub for waste disposal, catering not only to the immediate locality but also to neighboring areas. As the landfill approached its capacity, the County grappled with the challenge of ensuring sustainable waste management practices for the future. Among these options, expanding the existing landfill emerged as the most financially viable solution, promising to sustain waste management services for years to come. However, this proposal triggered concerns regarding its potential environmental impact, particularly from neighboring communities.