PFAS
PFAS in Everyday Life
PFAS: What You Need to Know About “Forever Chemicals"
From your home to the environment, PFAS are everywhere. Here's how Bethlehem Landfill is tackling the issue.
PFAS in Everyday Life
About PFAS
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals found in many household items. Often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down easily, PFAS are used for their water- and grease-resistant properties.
Even though we don't create PFAS, Bethlehem Landfill receives them passively through everyday waste. That's why we've taken proactive steps to manage their impact.
Food packaging and wrappers, such as microwave popcorn bags
Cosmetics and personal care products
Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
Non-stick cookware
Waterproof clothing
Firefighting foam
While these products make life more convenient, PFAS can linger in the environment long after they’re discarded.
Bethlehem Landfill is the first operational fixed-plant installation in the United States to remove PFAS.
PFAS in Everyday Life
What Bethlehem Landfill is Doing About PFAS
We were the first in the state to collaborate with the PA Department of Environmental Protection on this initiative - demonstrating that, even though we don't produce PFAS, we are committed to proactively addressing their impact with innovative solutions.
Operational since July 1, 2024, our PFAS Treatment facility employs a Low Energy Evaporative Fractionation (LEEF) System® from The Water & Carbon Group that directly removes targeted PFAS compounds.
The LEEF System process takes advantage of the natural affinity of surface-active molecules like PFAS to attach to air bubbles. By injecting millions of bubbles into the leachate, the LEEF System generates a PFAS-laden foam that can be skimmed off, then sequestered or permanently destroyed.
Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, Bethlehem Landfill is able to treat and discharge leachate with PFAS at non-detect levels, meeting standards far below the U.S. EPA limits for drinking water.
Bethlehem Landfill is part of Waste Connections, an integrated solid waste services company that provides waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in the United States and Canada.