Fact Sheet on the Scholl Canyon Landfill

Prepared by the Glenoaks Canyon Homeowners Association (GOCHA)  

Background

Scholl Canyon Landfill opened in 1961 and has grown from a few acres in a secluded canyon to an approximately 535 acre collection of trash that fills two canyons. This municipal solid waste facility serves the cities of Glendale, Pasadena, LaCanada-Flintridge, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and unincorporated communities of Altadena, La Crescenta, Montrose, and East Pasadena. The landfill is closely surrounded by residential neighborhoods in Glendale, Pasadena and Eagle Rock. It is currently estimated to reach its capacity by about 2028-2030 when it will be closed. Current zoning regulations and the agreement which established the landfill specify that after closure, Scholl will be used for open space and recreational purposes. The Scholl Canyon Golf and Tennis Club and ballfields sit on a closed section of the landfill.

Methane Management

Landfills produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. For decades after closure, Scholl Landfill will continue to produce the gas in decreasing amounts, so a landfill gas collection system must be maintained. Prior to 2018, the gas was sent to Grayson Power Plant where it was burned for electric power. Since 2018, the methane has been burned in shrouded flares at Scholl.

Power Plant

The City of Glendale is currently building a power plant on the landfill and it is expected to be operational in 2026.