Trussville, August 6, 2025

News Summary

J.T. Smallwood, a candidate for mayor of Trussville, is facing backlash over his promise to close the Eastern Area Landfill, which concerns residents near Magnolia Place and local schools. Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn refutes Smallwood’s claims, emphasizing the landfill’s ongoing operations and recent upgrades to manage waste. With rival candidates Lisa Bright and Ben Short expressing skepticism, the issue is becoming a central topic in the upcoming municipal election.

Trussville

Jefferson County Tax Collector J.T. Smallwood, a candidate for mayor of Trussville, is facing significant opposition regarding his campaign promise to close the Eastern Area Landfill located in Birmingham. The landfill’s proximity to the Magnolia Place subdivision and nearby Magnolia Elementary School has raised concerns among residents, making it a focal issue in the municipal election scheduled for August 26.

Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn has publicly countered Smallwood’s assurances about negotiating the landfill’s closure, asserting that the landfill is set to continue operating. O’Quinn claims that Smallwood’s assertions are not grounded in reality and emphasized the ongoing need for the landfill, pointing out that Birmingham has just approved a $33,430 expenditure for a new leachate pump designed to manage liquid waste.

Current Operations and Management of the Landfill

During a recent council meeting, O’Quinn elaborated on the landfill’s management system, highlighting its design that includes a barrier and drainage system to effectively control leachate. This infrastructure plays a key role in mitigating environmental impacts, and O’Quinn reiterated the city’s commitment to maintaining its operations as long as permissible.

Contrasting Views from Trussville Candidates

In the race for Trussville mayor, Smallwood is contending against two current members of the Trussville City Council: Lisa Bright and Ben Short. Both candidates have expressed skepticism regarding Smallwood’s ability to influence the landfill’s future. Bright has stated that the landfill’s closure is largely beyond Trussville’s jurisdiction, while Short warned of potential legal challenges and high costs associated with pursuing closure.

Community Grievances and Ongoing Concerns

Residents of the Magnolia Place neighborhood have voiced their frustrations regarding the landfill, citing issues like unpleasant odors and the visibility of trash, particularly in the summer months when smells are more intense. Rob Langford, a resident, reported concerns about smells and uncovered trash, challenging the council’s claims that waste is promptly covered. The longstanding operation of the Eastern Area Landfill, which began in the 1970s, has resulted in increased use in recent years, further heightening local residents’ concerns.

Historical Context

The landfill has recently faced scrutiny regarding compliance with state regulations. Magnolia Place homeowners previously filed a lawsuit against the Alabama Department of Environmental Management in 2012, alleging that the landfill was not upholding standards for waste covering. In subsequent years, Birmingham extended the landfill’s operational timeline into the 2040s and implemented upgrades, including new waste liners, to address environmental concerns. A consent order in 2016 required Birmingham to report on the landfill’s compliance with the Clean Water Act regularly.

The issues surrounding the Eastern Area Landfill underscore ongoing tensions between local government, candidates in the upcoming election, and residents. As the election approaches, the debate on how to handle the landfill and its impact on the community promises to remain a pivotal topic for Trussville voters.

FAQs

What is the Eastern Area Landfill?

The Eastern Area Landfill is a waste disposal facility in Birmingham that has been operational since the 1970s, situated near the Magnolia Place subdivision and local schools.

Why are residents concerned about the landfill?

Residents express concerns about unpleasant odors, visible trash, and their quality of life being affected by the landfill’s proximity to residential areas.

What are the candidates’ positions regarding the landfill?

J.T. Smallwood promises to negotiate its closure, while his opponents, Lisa Bright and Ben Short, argue that such a claim is unrealistic and beyond Trussville’s control.

What recent improvements have been made to the landfill?

Recent improvements include the installation of a new leachate pump and updated waste liners to help manage environmental concerns and compliance with state regulations.

How has the landfill’s operation timeline changed?

The operational timeline for the landfill has been extended into the 2040s, allowing it to continue receiving waste for the foreseeable future.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Landfill Next to Trussville Won’t Close
• CBS42: Landfill Next to Trussville Will Not Close
• ABC3340: Birmingham Landfill Odors Spark New Complaints
• Google Search: Trussville landfill news
• Wikipedia: Landfill

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.