Ash Management: The Urgent Need for Reliable Transport

The Brookhaven Landfill is Closing—What Happens Next?

For decades, Long Island has relied on the Brookhaven Landfill as the primary disposal site for waste-to-energy (WTE) ash. But with the landfill set to close within three years, Long Island faces a critical problem:

🚨 If ash doesn’t move, our trash stops moving.

Without a safe, efficient, and reliable way to transport ash off the island, waste collection, disposal, and processing could come to a standstill—leading to environmental risks, skyrocketing costs, and a potential waste crisis.

Why Ash Transport is Critical

Each year, Long Island produces nearly 400,000 tons of ash from its WTE facilities. This ash must be transported off the island to keep the waste system functioning.

Currently, most of this ash is disposed of at the Brookhaven Landfill, but once it closes, there will be no local disposal option—meaning the only solution is to transport ash off the island. Without a secure and efficient transportation plan, the entire system will be at risk.

The Consequences of Inaction

If Long Island fails to establish a sustainable ash transport system, the effects will be immediate and severe:

• Waste System Collapse – WTE facilities will be unable to process garbage if ash cannot be removed, causing a backlog of waste.

• Overflowing Transfer Stations – With no place for ash, waste collection services will be delayed, leading to overflowing transfer stations and waste piling up.

• Environmental & Public Health Risks – Improper storage or last-minute disposal solutions could lead to pollution and contamination.

• Increased Costs & Traffic – Trucking ash off Long Island is expensive, inefficient, and unsustainable in the long run.

Rail: The Only Scalable, Long-Term Solution

The most reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible way to move ash is by rail. Here’s why:

✅ Efficiency – Rail can transport high volumes of ash consistently, preventing waste disruptions.

✅ Lower Costs – Rail is significantly more cost-effective than long-haul trucking.

✅ Environmental Benefits – Fewer trucks mean reduced emissions, less road damage, and lower congestion.

✅ Future-Proofing for Ash Reuse – As reclamation technologies improve, rail transport ensures that ash can be processed at facilities beyond Long Island.

Building a Sustainable Future with R.A.M.S. & R.A.M.P.

The Regional Asset Management System (R.A.M.S.) is working to integrate data, governance, and infrastructure to ensure a seamless waste transition. In addition, a Regional Ash Management Plan (R.A.M.P.) will provide a long-term framework for handling ash efficiently.

The future of waste management depends on proactive action today—investing in smart transportation solutions before the system breaks.

Be Part of the Solution

Long Island is at a crossroads. The Brookhaven Landfill’s closure is imminent, and the path forward depends on collaboration, innovation, and infrastructure investment.

🚆 Join the movement for a smarter waste future. Explore R.A.M.S. today!