In 2012, the DEC permitted the largest construction and demolition landfill in the northeast US to open next to the Rensselaer City School District (Dunn C&D Landfill).

Over 900 students attend the school from PreK – 12th grade. The school serves 54% minority students, with 75% of students categorized as low-income[1].

Before approving the landfill, the DEC sought minimal feedback from Rensselaer’s school and community members. Since then — health, pollution, and noise concerns have gone downplayed by the DEC. Student have complained of odors and dust in their classrooms and during athletic events [2]. Chronic exposure to landfills are well known to cause health issues, particularly in adolescents [3].

Waste Connections, a Texas-based, billion-dollar corporation, owns Dunn C&D Landfill. Waste Connections chose to build their landfill next to an existing, low-income school. They claim their landfill is ideally located. They pay the school $125k a year [4], less than 1% of the school’s annual operating budget [5].

The Dunn C&D Landfill’s location is both an environmental and racial injustice. Private interests have muffled public outcry and bought state compliance for over a decade.

Sign this community petition demanding DEC stop risking the health and safety of Rensselaer's kids, its residents, and its future. Demand they prioritize schools over private interests. Demand they close the Dunn C&D Landfill immediately.

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[1] https://data.nysed.gov/enrollment.php?year=2024&instid=800000039570

[2] https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/the-dump-thats-what-were-known-for-rensselaer-students-want-dunn-landfill-closed

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399006/#Sec12

[4] https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/agreement-between-school-dunn-landfill-causes-concern

[5] https://www.rcsd.k12.ny.us/page/2023-2024-budget-information