Evanston Residents Seek Waste Transfer Station Relocation
Activists are petitioning the city to move a long-standing waste facility citing environmental and noise concerns.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in City Hall
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Residents and local activists are calling on the City of Evanston to relocate the waste transfer station located at 1711 Church St. The petitioners argue that the facility is inconsistent with city environmental equity goals and should be moved within two years.
Why it matters
The petition highlights ongoing tension between industrial land use and the city's Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Residents argue that the facility, which has operated since the 1970s, negatively impacts local air quality and quality of life in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The city has collected approximately $500,000 in tonnage fees from the Waste Management facility since 2017. Petitioners are calling for the appointment of a municipal task force to conduct a formal audit of current facility operations.
The players
City of Evanston
This local government body is responsible for municipal planning, environmental regulation, and the oversight of waste management operations.
Waste Management
This company is the current operator of the waste transfer facility located on Church Street.
The details
The facility at 1711 Church St. currently utilizes a misting system and tree barriers to manage odors and noise for the community. Activists recently met at the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center to coordinate their push for city oversight and the eventual removal of the site.
Timeline
The waste transfer station first opened in the 1970s.
The City of Evanston began collecting tonnage fees in 2017.
Total revenue from station fees reached $500,000 by 2023.
Activists held a planning meeting on October 28, 2026.
A follow-up meeting regarding the petition is scheduled for November 17, 2026.
Political Context
The petition directly challenges the City of Evanston Climate Action and Resilience Plan by arguing that the facility represents a breach of local environmental equity standards. Opponents of the relocation may point to the established revenue stream provided by the quarterly tonnage fees paid by the operator.
Residents living near the facility may see changes in local traffic patterns or noise levels if the petition successfully forces the city to adopt a relocation plan. The closure of the site would also require the city to find an alternative location for waste processing.
The takeaway
The effort to relocate the station reflects a broader trend of communities prioritizing environmental health over legacy industrial infrastructure. Residents seeking change are encouraged to attend upcoming city meetings to ensure their concerns are documented for municipal officials.
What happens next
Activists have scheduled a follow-up meeting for November 17, 2026, to discuss the progression of their petition and coordinate future community actions.
Further reading
For updates on local policy discussions, visit the City Hall section.
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Should city governments prioritize residential living conditions over established commercial waste facilities in your area?
