Waste Study · Diagnostic Finding
Johnson County's ~1,200 TPD disposable waste stream flows to a single private landfill with a verified worst-case closure of 2037 and no contracted alternative in the regional market.
PREPARED FOR
Johnson County, Kansas
Population 632,276 · County Seat: Olathe · 477 sq mi
PREPARED BY
Carbotura, Inc.
Advanced Circular Manufacturing · March 2026
§0 — What This Means
Executive summary · Five diagnostic findings
-
01
The landfill clock is running. The WM Johnson County Landfill — the destination for ~80% of county-generated waste — has a projected worst-case closure of 2037, just 11 years away. The last permitted waste cell is currently being filled. New landfill siting in Johnson County is acknowledged to be impractical and would take 10–15 years to permit.
-
02
Approximately 1,200 TPD is disposable and accessible. Johnson County's ~640,000 residents and commercial base generate an estimated 1,500 TPD of total waste. After current diversion (~20% recycling/composting), approximately 1,200 TPD proceeds to disposal — the addressable volume for an ACM deployment at full scale.
-
03
No WTE/RRF alternative exists in Kansas. Kansas has no active waste-to-energy facility. When the WM landfill closes, the only available alternatives will require 40–65 mile hauls to Lawrence or Topeka — with commensurate cost escalation estimated at $80–120/ton above current disposal costs. There is no competitive alternative in the regional market.
-
04
Geography favors distributed infrastructure. At 477 square miles, Johnson County spans multiple distinct cities — Shawnee, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner. The logistics cost of consolidating all waste at a single distant facility creates a structural argument for distributed local processing at 2–4 ACM centers.
-
05
The 2024 SWMP acknowledges no viable long-term path. The Johnson County Solid Waste Management Committee's plan, adopted September 5, 2024, focuses on incremental diversion but does not identify a viable alternative disposal destination. The plan's own planning horizon ends before the landfill's worst-case closure date.
§1 — Feedstock Profile
Stream characterization · Access classification · Capability determination
§1.1 — Capability Finding: The Constraint Is Access, Not Capability
ACM is capable of processing every material stream Johnson County generates. Every classification in this section reflects an access constraint — not a capability limit. The barrier to any stream is contractual, logistical, or regulatory — never technical. The Access Classification column describes the current state of market access for each stream.
§1.2 — Feedstock Volume Table
Data Note: Volume figures are estimated from EPA per-capita generation methodology (4.9 lbs/person/day gross) and Johnson County SWMP 2024 disposal rate data. Confirmed annual tonnage would be available from KDHE Solid Waste Database Viewer or Johnson County SWMP 2024 detailed appendices. All volumes carry ESTIMATED status.
| Waste Stream | Annual Volume (tpy) | Daily (TPD) | Current Disposition | Operator | Access Classification | ACM Phase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential MSW | 219,000 EST | 600 | WM Johnson County Landfill via municipal haulers | Waste Management, Inc. (WM) | IMMEDIATE | Initial |
| Commercial / Institutional MSW | 127,750 EST | 350 | WM landfill via commercial hauler contracts | Multiple commercial haulers; WM primary | CONDITIONAL | Initial–Medium |
| Yard Waste / Organics | 43,800 EST | 120 | Olathe Composting Facility; WM landfill overflow | City of Olathe; WM | IMMEDIATE | Initial |
| Construction & Demolition Debris | 32,850 EST | 90 | APAC-Reno C&D Landfill; WM MSW landfill | APAC-Reno; WM | CONDITIONAL | Medium |
| Biosolids (WWTP) | 10,950 EST | 30 | JCW biosolids management program (land application / disposal) | Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) | ACCESSIBLE | Medium–Expanded |
| Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) | 3,650 EST | 10 | JCW dedicated FOG receiving program at Middle Basin WWTP | Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) | ACCESSIBLE | Medium–Expanded |
| TOTAL ADDRESSABLE | 438,000 EST | 1,200 | Net disposal stream at full ACM deployment (1,200 TPD) | — | Phases Initial→Expanded | |
Johnson County Waste Composition (% by weight)
Paper and plastics represent the largest combined ACM feedstock fraction at ~45%. Food organics and yard waste (collectively ~34%) drive carbon displacement and water recovery output.
Source: Johnson County SWMP waste characterization study (2006/2024); EPA per-capita generation model · Data status: ESTIMATED
§1.3 — Primary ACM Feedstocks — Phase Initial Priority
Two streams carry IMMEDIATE access classification — no contract barrier requires negotiation for Phase Initial deployment:
STREAM 1 — PHASE INITIAL PRIORITY
Residential MSW
~600 TPD · IMMEDIATE access · No contract barrier. Municipal waste flows are managed by county-licensed haulers delivering to WM landfill. Route convergence to 2–3 distributed ACM centers would reduce average haul distance across the 477 sq mi county.
STREAM 2 — PHASE INITIAL PRIORITY
Yard Waste & Organics
~120 TPD · IMMEDIATE access · County composting infrastructure already segregates this stream. Olathe Composting Facility at Hedge Lane processes yard waste. Seasonal peak of +15% in summer. Available as co-processing feedstock without renegotiation.
§1.4 — Full Feedstock Capability Statement
ACM Capability: All Streams Processable
ACM technology processes the following material classes without exception: mixed municipal solid waste; food waste and wet organics; yard and garden waste; paper, cardboard, and cellulosics; plastics (all major resin types); textiles; construction and demolition materials; non-hazardous industrial process waste; wastewater treatment biosolids; fats, oils, and grease (FOG); glass (as inert aggregate); and metals (as pre-sorted concentrate). Each stream listed in §1.2 is technically processable by ACM. Access constraints govern deployment sequencing — not capability limits. No stream in this analysis has been excluded due to technical incompatibility with ACM processing.
Executive Implications — §1
- 720 TPD of residential MSW and yard waste carries IMMEDIATE access classification — no contract negotiation is required before Phase Initial deployment can commence.
- The CONDITIONAL commercial stream (~350 TPD) is the largest near-term unlock: commercial hauler contracts in Johnson County are typically 3–5 year terms, with renewal windows creating access points for redirection to ACM facilities.
- Biosolids and FOG (~40 TPD combined) require a service agreement with Johnson County Wastewater — a single counterparty that is a county department, not a private competitor.
§2 — Logistics and Infrastructure
Collection infrastructure · Transfer points · Haul distances · Route convergence
Johnson County operates a distributed waste collection and transfer system across 16 cities and 477 square miles. The county lacks a centralized waste processing facility — all residual waste currently proceeds to the WM landfill at 17955 Holliday Drive in Shawnee, located at I-435 and Holiday Drive in the northeast quadrant of the county.
§2.1 — Collection Infrastructure
| Infrastructure Type | Count / Scale | Primary Operator | Role in Waste System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential curbside collection routes | County-wide (~250,000 households) | Multiple licensed haulers (WM primary); City of Olathe direct | First-mile collection for residential MSW and recycling |
| City of Olathe Transfer Station | 1 active facility, Hedge Lane, Olathe | City of Olathe Public Works | Consolidation point for SW quadrant waste before landfill haul |
| Olathe Community Recycling Center / Composting | 1100 N Hedge Ln, Olathe | City of Olathe | Yard waste and recyclables diversion; mulch/compost output |
| Overland Park Drop-Off Recycling Center | 11921 Hardy St, Overland Park | City of Overland Park | Residential recycling diversion |
| WM Deffenbaugh Recycling Drop-Off | I-435 and Holiday Drive, Shawnee | Waste Management, Inc. (WM) | Co-located with landfill; recycling consolidation |
| JCW Wastewater Treatment Plants | 7 plants, 172 sq mi service area | Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) | 2,300+ miles of sewer main; biosolids and FOG generation |
| Johnson County HHW Facility | 11231 Mastin St, Overland Park | Johnson County DHE | Hazardous waste diversion |
§2.2 — Haul Distance Analysis
The current system routes all non-diverted waste to a single destination in the northeast corner of the county. This creates a structural logistics disadvantage for communities in the south and west:
| Origin City | Distance to WM Landfill | Nearest Provisional ACM Zone | Potential Distance Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawnee (NE) | ~3 mi | NE Zone (Shawnee–Merriam) | Minimal change |
| Overland Park (Central) | ~12 mi | Central Zone (OP–Lenexa) | ~8–10 mi reduction |
| Olathe (SE) | ~18 mi | SE Zone (Olathe industrial) | ~14–16 mi reduction |
| Gardner / De Soto (W) | ~28 mi | West Zone (Gardner–De Soto) | ~22–25 mi reduction |
| Leawood (SE) | ~15 mi | SE Zone (Olathe industrial) | ~10–12 mi reduction |
Distributed ACM Logistics Advantage
Deploying 3–4 ACM centers at 300–400 TPD each reduces average round-trip haul distance for county fleet operations by an estimated 40–60%. For a fleet serving 250,000+ households across 477 square miles, fuel, labor, and vehicle depreciation savings at scale are material — independent of the disposal cost comparison. The logistics argument for distributed ACM infrastructure is structural, not marginal.
Deploying 3–4 ACM centers at 300–400 TPD each reduces average round-trip haul distance for county fleet operations by an estimated 40–60%. For a fleet serving 250,000+ households across 477 square miles, fuel, labor, and vehicle depreciation savings at scale are material — independent of the disposal cost comparison. The logistics argument for distributed ACM infrastructure is structural, not marginal.
Executive Implications — §2
- The City of Olathe Transfer Station creates a ready logistical anchor for an SE Johnson County ACM center — existing hauler routes already converge there.
- West Johnson County (Gardner–De Soto, including the new Panasonic EV Battery Facility corridor) currently has the longest hauls to the WM landfill — the greatest logistics cost relief from a distributed ACM model.
- Johnson County Wastewater's 7-plant system is a single-counterparty ASR generator — biosolids and FOG access requires one institutional agreement, not multiple commercial negotiations.
§3 — Cost Structure
Current system economics · Operator names · Cost trajectory
Data Gap — Confirmed Tipping Fee: The WM Johnson County Landfill gate rate is a privately negotiated commercial rate and is not publicly posted. The planning-basis FWDC of $42/ton is an estimated figure derived from the EREF 2024 Kansas state average ($34.78/ton — lowest in the US) plus a Waste Management private operator premium. This figure carries ESTIMATED status. Confirmed rates would require direct disclosure from WM or access to Johnson County municipal disposal contracts.
§3.1 — Current System Cost Structure
| Cost Element | Annual Value | Per-Ton Equivalent | Source Type | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential MSW disposal (landfill tipping, 600 TPD) | ~$9.2M/yr | $42/ton | ESTIMATED | Moderate |
| Commercial MSW disposal (350 TPD) | ~$5.4M/yr | $42/ton blended | ESTIMATED | Moderate |
| Yard waste processing — Olathe Composting Facility | ~$0.9M/yr (est.) | ~$21/ton | ESTIMATED | Low |
| C&D disposal — APAC-Reno C&D Landfill | ~$1.4M/yr (est.) | ~$43/ton | ESTIMATED | Low |
| Biosolids management — JCW multi-plant program | NULL — not publicly confirmed | NULL | DATA GAP | — |
| Archaea/BP renewable gas revenue offset at WM landfill | NULL — private WM-Archaea contract | NULL | DATA GAP | — |
| TOTAL ANNUAL DISPOSAL COST (est.) | ~$16.9M/yr | ~$38–42/ton blended | ESTIMATED | Moderate |
§3.2 — Verified Operator Names (March 2026)
| Role | Current Operator | Note | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary MSW landfill operator | Waste Management, Inc. (WM) | Formerly Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. (acquired). Operating under KDHE Permit 263. | VERIFIED |
| Wastewater treatment / biosolids | Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) | County-operated utility. 7 treatment plants. ~50 MGD avg. 500,000+ customers. | VERIFIED |
| Transfer station operator (SW quadrant) | City of Olathe Public Works | Operates Olathe Transfer Station and Composting Facility at Hedge Lane. | VERIFIED |
| C&D landfill operator | APAC-Reno | Referenced in Johnson County SWMP waste characterization study (2024). | VERIFIED |
| Landfill energy recovery (gas-to-energy) | Archaea Energy (BP subsidiary) | Operates renewable gas plant on WM landfill property. Separate from WM SUP. | VERIFIED |
§3.3 — Cost Trajectory: Three Documented Mechanisms
1 — Rate Escalation at Landfill Capacity Limit
As the WM landfill fills its final cell (currently underway via blasting operations), scarcity pricing will emerge. WM's national average landfill pricing increased 7% in 2024 alone. The Shawnee City Council granted only a 1-year Special Use Permit renewal (November 2024) due to unresolved odor, blasting, and methane flaring issues — an operational constraint that limits capacity expansion options.
2 — Post-Closure Haul Cost Shock
When the WM landfill closes, the nearest alternatives are in Lawrence KS (~40 mi) and Topeka KS (~65 mi). Transport and disposal costs at these facilities, combined with increased round-trip distance for 400–500 daily trucks, would add an estimated $80–120/ton to the county's per-ton disposal burden. No new Johnson County landfill siting is underway; permitting alone would take 10–15 years.
3 — Capital Reinvestment and Regulatory Compliance Pressure
The WM landfill is currently using controlled blasting to create a new disposal cell — an unusual and community-contentious capital measure. JCW's Phase 2 Integrated Plan (2025–2029) calls for ~$2.1B in long-term infrastructure investment. Wastewater rate increases are anticipated. Biosolids disposal costs will rise as land application regulations tighten under EPA nutrient rules.
Executive Implications — §3
- Decision window is 11 years, not 30. The 2037 worst-case closure of the WM landfill places the effective negotiating window for a 30-year ACM COA at approximately 2025–2027. A county that waits until 2030 to act will negotiate from a position of distress, not choice.
- Kansas's current tipping fee environment is artificially low relative to the national mean ($62.28/ton EREF 2024 national average vs. $34.78/ton Kansas). When the regional market loses the WM JC landfill, the low-fee advantage disappears permanently.
- The county has no leverage mechanism against WM rate increases. There is no competitive alternative in the regional market, no WTE facility in Kansas, and no new landfill siting underway.
§4 — Regulatory Baseline
Hard deadlines · Permit status · Environmental compliance · Policy alignment
Hard Deadline — Procurement Decision Window
The MARC Regional Landfill Capacity Study (Burns & McDonnell, January 2024) places the WM Johnson County Landfill worst-case closure at 2037 under current fill rate scenarios. A 30-year ACM COA (the standard term) entered into today provides infrastructure certainty through 2056 — well beyond the landfill's projected life. Every year of delay compresses the negotiating window and increases the probability of entering the crisis phase with no contracted alternative.
The MARC Regional Landfill Capacity Study (Burns & McDonnell, January 2024) places the WM Johnson County Landfill worst-case closure at 2037 under current fill rate scenarios. A 30-year ACM COA (the standard term) entered into today provides infrastructure certainty through 2056 — well beyond the landfill's projected life. Every year of delay compresses the negotiating window and increases the probability of entering the crisis phase with no contracted alternative.
| Regulatory Item | Status / Finding | Decision Window Implication |
|---|---|---|
| WM Johnson County Landfill — KDHE Permit 263 | Active. Phase 6 expansion permitted (2022). Last cell currently under blasting construction. Shawnee SUP renewed for 1 year only (Nov 2024) due to odor/flaring/blasting issues. | 1-year SUP creates annual renewal uncertainty. Landfill operational continuity is not guaranteed beyond each review period. |
| MARC Regional Landfill Capacity Study (Jan 2024) | Projects JC landfill closure 2037–2043 under Scenario 9. Worst case: 2037. County acknowledged as entering the "15-year window." | Action before 2027 preserves full negotiating leverage. Action after 2032 is reactive crisis management. |
| Johnson County SWMP (adopted Sept 5, 2024) | New 5-year plan adopted. Goals focus on recycling education and composting expansion. Does not identify a viable alternative disposal destination. | SWMP gap creates policy imperative for ACM engagement. County planners have acknowledged the unresolved long-term disposal challenge. |
| KDHE Bureau of Waste Management oversight | Active regulation. Kansas landfill operators require KDHE permits. No new MSW landfill permitted in Johnson County. County acknowledged as "unlikely site for a new landfill" in SWMP history. | Regulatory environment actively discourages new landfill development — reinforces ACM as the structurally preferred alternative. |
| JCW Phase 2 Integrated Plan (2025–2029) | $2.1B long-term infrastructure investment identified. Phase 1 (2020–2024) completed. EPA WIFIA loan of $281.5M for Nelson WWTP expansion. | JCW capital program creates biosolids management pressure. ACM as a co-digestion/processing pathway for biosolids reduces JCW's long-term treatment cost burden. |
| Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant (SFAAP) — KDHE RCRA | Historical landfills (SWMU 18, 19, 49) at De Soto/NW Johnson County. KDHE: No Further Action (NFA) status for SWMU 49. NW corner of county. | SFAAP redevelopment corridor (Panasonic EV Battery Facility) creates industrial zone in NW Johnson County — potential ACM siting context. |
Executive Implications — §4
- The Shawnee 1-year Special Use Permit renewal is an early-warning signal: if the City of Shawnee declines to renew, the landfill faces operational suspension with no contracted alternative in place. This is not a low-probability scenario.
- The SWMP adopted September 5, 2024 explicitly does not identify a disposal alternative. This creates a policy mandate that is currently unfulfilled — exactly the condition that makes a Community Feasibility Study a priority action.
- The Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant redevelopment corridor in NW Johnson County — now anchored by the Panasonic EV Battery Facility — represents a shovel-ready industrial zone with existing infrastructure that could accommodate an ACM center serving the western half of the county.
§5 — Feedstock Opportunity
Addressability summary · Phase configuration · Access constraints
~1,500
TPD Total Generated EST
~1,200
TPD Net to Disposal EST
720
TPD Immediately Accessible EST
440
TPD Conditionally Accessible EST
40
TPD Accessible (JCW agreement) EST
§5.2 — Addressability Table
| Stream | Volume (tpy) | TPD | Access Classification | Phase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential MSW | 219,000 | 600 | IMMEDIATE | Initial | No contract barrier; route diversion to local ACM center is operationally straightforward |
| Yard Waste / Organics | 43,800 | 120 | IMMEDIATE | Initial | Already segregated at Olathe composting facility; seasonal peak +15% |
| Commercial / Institutional MSW | 127,750 | 350 | CONDITIONAL | Initial–Medium | Commercial hauler contract terms 3–5 years; renewal windows create access opportunities |
| C&D Debris | 32,850 | 90 | CONDITIONAL | Medium | Existing APAC-Reno C&D landfill contract; requires renegotiation at renewal |
| Biosolids (JCW 7-plant system) | 10,950 | 30 | ACCESSIBLE | Medium–Expanded | Single counterparty (JCW county department); biosolids land application regulations tightening |
| FOG (JCW Middle Basin) | 3,650 | 10 | ACCESSIBLE | Medium–Expanded | JCW dedicated FOG receiving program already operational at Middle Basin WWTP |
| TOTAL ADDRESSABLE | 438,000 | 1,200 | Full 1,200 TPD addressable across Phases Initial through Expanded | ||
§5.3 — Phase Configuration Preview
PHASE INITIAL
400 TPD
1–2 centers · 4 modules
Residential MSW + Yard Waste
No third-party negotiation required
Residential MSW + Yard Waste
No third-party negotiation required
PHASE MEDIUM
800 TPD
2–3 centers · 8 modules
+ Commercial MSW, C&D
Hauler contract renewals accessed
+ Commercial MSW, C&D
Hauler contract renewals accessed
PHASE EXPANDED
1,200 TPD
3–4 centers · 12 modules
+ Biosolids, FOG (JCW agreement)
Full county coverage
+ Biosolids, FOG (JCW agreement)
Full county coverage
Executive Implications — §5
- Phase Initial (400 TPD) can be built entirely from IMMEDIATE-access streams with no contract negotiation — representing 60% of the eventually required feedstock and 100% of the residential waste flow.
- The distributed 3–4 center model is operationally superior to a single large facility for Johnson County: each center operates at 300–400 TPD, reducing single-point operational risk and serving the geographic quadrant of the county where it is sited.
- JCW's biosolids management program is under active cost pressure from the $2.1B Phase 2 infrastructure investment. An ACM processing pathway for biosolids converts a JCW cost center into a co-processing revenue stream — an alignment of incentives that should be explored in the Community Feasibility Study.
§6 — Feedstock Infrastructure Map
Active facilities · Closing infrastructure · Historical sites · Johnson County, Kansas
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Waste Infrastructure · Johnson County KS
Closing Landfill
WWTP
Transfer / Recycling
C&D / Other
Historical
Sources: johnsoncountylandfill.com · jocogov.org/department/wastewater · jocogov.org/department/environment/solid-waste · KDHE RCRA database · Johnson County SWMP 2024 · Operator verification: March 2026
Appendix A — Evidence Chain
All figures with public source attribution, source type, and confidence classification
| Figure | Value | Public Source | Source Type | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County population (2024) | 632,276 | US Census Bureau Annual Population Estimates, May 2025 | VERIFIED | High |
| Johnson County population (2026 estimate) | 645,940 | World Population Review citing US Census Bureau, 2026 | VERIFIED | High |
| Per-capita MSW generation | 4.9 lbs/person/day | EPA National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling | MODELED | Moderate |
| Total gross generation (~1,500 TPD) | ESTIMATED | Derived: 645,940 pop × 4.9 lbs/day ÷ 2,000 | ESTIMATED | Moderate |
| Disposal rate (80% of generated) | 80% | Johnson County SWMP 2024 (adopted Sept 5, 2024); Burns & McDonnell Regional Landfill Capacity Study, Jan 2024 | VERIFIED | High |
| Net to disposal (~1,200 TPD) | ESTIMATED | Derived from 80% disposal rate × gross generation | ESTIMATED | Moderate |
| Landfill operator — WM (Deffenbaugh) | Waste Management, Inc. (WM) | johnsoncountylandfill.com/about-us.jsp · March 2026 | VERIFIED | High |
| Landfill closure projection (2037–2043) | 2037 worst case | MARC Regional Landfill Capacity Study, Burns & McDonnell, January 2024; Johnson County Post, Feb 14, 2024 | VERIFIED | High |
| Kansas tipping fee (state average) | $34.78/ton | EREF Analysis of MSW Landfill Tipping Fees — 2024 | VERIFIED | High |
| Planning-basis FWDC ($42/ton) | $42/ton | Derived: EREF 2024 Kansas average + WM private operator premium adjustment | ESTIMATED | Moderate |
| 1-year SUP renewal (Nov 2024) | 1-year only (vs usual 4-year) | Johnson County Post, November 13, 2024; October 23, 2024 | VERIFIED | High |
| JCW WWTP system (7 plants, 50 MGD) | 7 plants; 500,000+ customers | jocogov.org/department/wastewater/about-us/our-system · March 2026 | VERIFIED | High |
| County area (sq miles) | 477 sq mi | US Census Bureau QuickFacts: Johnson County, Kansas | VERIFIED | High |
| Historical SFAAP landfills | SWMU 18, 19, 49 — NW Johnson County | KDHE Environmental Remediation — SFAAP Site records; kdhe.ks.gov | VERIFIED | High |
| JCW $2.1B infrastructure plan | $2.1B (2018 dollars) | jcwprogram.com — JCW Integrated Plan Phase 1 & 2 documentation | VERIFIED | High |
Appendix B — Change Factors
Factors that would materially change the diagnostic findings
| Factor | Direction | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Shawnee SUP denial for WM landfill | Accelerates urgency — more critical | If the City of Shawnee declines the 2025 SUP renewal for the WM landfill (due to odor/flaring/blasting), landfill operations would suspend. This would trigger an immediate disposal crisis, compressing the decision window from years to months. Emergency haul arrangements to Lawrence or Topeka would be required at market-clearing prices. |
| Confirmed annual tonnage data from KDHE | Directionally neutral — improves precision | KDHE's Solid Waste Database Viewer tracks annual acceptance tonnage at permitted facilities. Confirmed tonnage from the WM JC landfill would replace the per-capita ESTIMATED figure with a VERIFIED volume, potentially adjusting total TPD by ±15%. |
| Panasonic EV Battery Facility industrial corridor expansion (De Soto) | Increases West JC feedstock density | The Panasonic facility and related industrial build-out in the former SFAAP corridor is adding industrial employment and institutional waste generation to West Johnson County. This increases the addressable feedstock base and strengthens the case for a 4th ACM center in the western quadrant. |
| Regional landfill expansion at Lawrence or Topeka | Reduces urgency slightly | If a regional landfill expands capacity, the post-closure haul option for JC waste becomes marginally more reliable — though still significantly more expensive. The structural cost disadvantage of long-haul disposal would persist, but the immediate urgency of the 2037 deadline would soften slightly in planning scenarios. |
| WM Johnson County Landfill SUP expansion to multi-year term | Extends operational window slightly | If Shawnee grants a 4-year SUP renewal at the next review, the landfill's operational horizon extends marginally. This does not change the fundamental closure trajectory — the last cell is already being built — but it reduces the immediate year-to-year regulatory uncertainty. |
Appendix C — Sources and References
Public-readable source labels · Data age noted
Johnson County Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP), adopted September 5, 2024
Johnson County Board of County Commissioners; Johnson County Solid Waste Management Committee. jocogov.org/department/environment/solid-waste/solid-waste-management-plan — Accessed March 2026
Johnson County Board of County Commissioners; Johnson County Solid Waste Management Committee. jocogov.org/department/environment/solid-waste/solid-waste-management-plan — Accessed March 2026
MARC Regional Landfill Capacity Study, Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, January 2024
Mid-America Regional Council. Landfill closure projections for 7 active landfills in the Kansas–Missouri region. marc.org/document/landfill-capacity-study — Accessed March 2026
Mid-America Regional Council. Landfill closure projections for 7 active landfills in the Kansas–Missouri region. marc.org/document/landfill-capacity-study — Accessed March 2026
WM Johnson County Landfill — About Us
Waste Management, Inc. Confirms current operator name; Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. former name. johnsoncountylandfill.com/about-us.jsp — Accessed March 2026
Waste Management, Inc. Confirms current operator name; Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. former name. johnsoncountylandfill.com/about-us.jsp — Accessed March 2026
Johnson County Wastewater — Our System
Johnson County Government. 7 treatment plants, 2,300+ miles of sewer main, 500,000+ customers. jocogov.org/department/wastewater/about-us/our-system — Accessed March 2026
Johnson County Government. 7 treatment plants, 2,300+ miles of sewer main, 500,000+ customers. jocogov.org/department/wastewater/about-us/our-system — Accessed March 2026
EREF Analysis of MSW Landfill Tipping Fees — 2024
Environmental Research & Education Foundation. Kansas state average: $34.78/ton (lowest in US). 10% national increase year-over-year. erefdn.org — 2024 report; referenced October 2025
Environmental Research & Education Foundation. Kansas state average: $34.78/ton (lowest in US). 10% national increase year-over-year. erefdn.org — 2024 report; referenced October 2025
Johnson County Post — Landfill Coverage (2024)
Trash pickup fees might rise as county landfill nears capacity (Feb 14, 2024); Methane flares at Johnson County landfill (Oct 23, 2024); Shawnee grants 1-year permit to Johnson County landfill (Nov 13, 2024). johnsoncountypost.com
Trash pickup fees might rise as county landfill nears capacity (Feb 14, 2024); Methane flares at Johnson County landfill (Oct 23, 2024); Shawnee grants 1-year permit to Johnson County landfill (Nov 13, 2024). johnsoncountypost.com
KDHE — Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant RCRA Records
Kansas Department of Health and Environment. SWMU 49 No Further Action determination. Historical landfills (SWMU 18, 19) documented. kdhe.ks.gov — Accessed March 2026
Kansas Department of Health and Environment. SWMU 49 No Further Action determination. Historical landfills (SWMU 18, 19) documented. kdhe.ks.gov — Accessed March 2026
US Census Bureau — Johnson County, Kansas QuickFacts
Population: 632,276 (2024 Census). census.gov/quickfacts/johnsoncountykansas — Accessed March 2026
Population: 632,276 (2024 Census). census.gov/quickfacts/johnsoncountykansas — Accessed March 2026
KDHE Public Notice — Deffenbaugh Industries Phase 6 Expansion (February 2022)
KDHE Bureau of Waste Management. Phase 6 expansion: 28.2 acres, 5.65M additional cubic yards, ~3.2-year life extension. sos.ks.gov/publications/Register — Feb 24, 2022
KDHE Bureau of Waste Management. Phase 6 expansion: 28.2 acres, 5.65M additional cubic yards, ~3.2-year life extension. sos.ks.gov/publications/Register — Feb 24, 2022
Appendix D — Authoritative Glossary
Canonical terminology for all Carbotura community documents
ACM — Advanced Circular Manufacturing
Carbotura's manufacturing process that converts municipal waste feedstock into industrial-grade materials including graphite, graphene, hydrogen, and ultrapure water. ACM processes all material classes; no stream is technically excluded.
Addressable Feedstock
The portion of total waste generation that can be directed to an ACM facility given current access constraints. Addressability is determined by contractual, logistical, and regulatory access — never technical capability.
Access Classification
Carbotura's three-tier framework for characterizing feedstock access: IMMEDIATE (no contract barrier); CONDITIONAL (existing contract, negotiation required at renewal); ACCESSIBLE (institutional agreement required with single counterparty).
ASR — Addressable Secondary Resource
A waste stream identified as processable through ACM. Includes biosolids, FOG, construction debris, and all MSW fractions. Capability for all streams is confirmed; access constraints vary.
Biosolids
Treated organic material from municipal wastewater treatment. Johnson County Wastewater's 7-plant system generates biosolids managed through land application and disposal programs. A candidate ACM feedstock stream under the ACCESSIBLE classification.
Circular Royalty
A revenue-sharing payment from Carbotura to the host community, structured as a percentage of the TMC Fee paid in a prior period. Begins 13 months after the corresponding TMC Fee payment. Designed to exceed the TMC Fee per ton at steady state. See Proposal for full formula and quantification.
COA — Commercial Off-take Agreement
The long-term contractual framework governing the ACM facility's relationship with the host community. Standard term: 30 years. Defines feedstock delivery obligations, TMC Fee structure, Circular Royalty formula, and governance provisions.
COD — Commercial Operations Date
The date on which an ACM facility completes commissioning and begins accepting commercial feedstock volumes. Milestone from which TMC Fee obligations and the 13-month Circular Royalty lag are measured.
C&D — Construction and Demolition Debris
Waste generated from building construction, renovation, and demolition. In Johnson County, currently disposed at the APAC-Reno C&D landfill and WM MSW landfill. CONDITIONAL access classification; ACM-processable.
FWDC — Full Waste Disposal Cost
The per-ton cost to the county/municipality for waste disposal, including tipping fee, transport, and ancillary charges. In Johnson County: $42/ton planning basis (ESTIMATED) — derived from EREF 2024 Kansas state average of $34.78/ton plus WM private operator premium adjustment.
FOG — Fats, Oils, and Grease
Organic waste stream from restaurant and food processing operations. JCW operates a dedicated FOG receiving station at the Douglas L. Smith Middle Basin Treatment Facility. ACCESSIBLE classification; single-counterparty (JCW) agreement required.
KDHE
Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The state regulatory authority for solid waste management, landfill permitting, and environmental remediation in Kansas. Administers the Bureau of Waste Management and the Old City Dump Cleanup Program.
MARC
Mid-America Regional Council. The metropolitan planning organization for the Kansas City region. Published the Regional Landfill Capacity Study (Burns & McDonnell, January 2024) projecting WM Johnson County Landfill closure 2037–2043.
Module (ACM)
Carbotura's standard 100 TPD processing unit. ACM facilities are assembled from one or more modules. Phase Initial: 4 modules (400 TPD). Phase Expanded: 12 modules (1,200 TPD) distributed across 3–4 centers.
MSW — Municipal Solid Waste
The combined solid waste stream generated by residential, commercial, and institutional sources, excluding C&D debris, biosolids, and hazardous materials. The primary feedstock stream in Johnson County's Phase Initial deployment.
SWMP — Solid Waste Management Plan
Johnson County's regulatory planning document governing solid waste management, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. Current version adopted September 5, 2024. Updated every 5 years per Kansas statute KSA 65-3405.
TMC Fee — Total Material Conversion Fee
The per-ton processing fee paid by the host community to Carbotura under the COA. In Johnson County: $100/ton base rate, escalating at 2.5% per year. The TMC Fee replaces the current landfill disposal cost in the county's waste budget. The Circular Royalty, which begins 13 months later, is designed to exceed the TMC Fee per ton at steady state.
TPD — Tons Per Day
The standard unit for measuring daily waste processing capacity. Carbotura's ACM module is 100 TPD. Johnson County phases: 400 TPD Initial → 800 TPD Medium → 1,200 TPD Expanded.
WM — Waste Management, Inc.
Current operator of the Johnson County Landfill at 17955 Holliday Drive, Shawnee, KS (formerly Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc.). The landfill receives waste from approximately 18 counties in the Kansas City metro region.
WWTP — Wastewater Treatment Plant
Municipal facility treating sewage to NPDES standards before discharge to waterways. Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) operates 7 WWTPs treating ~50 MGD average flow for 500,000+ customers across 172 sq mi. Plants generate biosolids and accept FOG — both ACM-processable feedstock streams.