The Franklin County Sanitary Landfill (FCSL) is a municipal solid waste landfill designed to protect the environment and regulated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Every year, over 1 million tons of waste is disposed of at the (FCSL). Each resident in Franklin County generates on average four to five pounds of waste every day. If these materials are not reduced, reused, recycled, composted or diverted, but rather tossed in the trash, they are disposed of at the landfill.
SWACO owns and operates the FCSL and provides free tours for school groups, interested organizations and clubs. General public tours are also offered bimonthly (six yearly).
Visitors will hear a presentation consisting of a discussion and slide show that outlines the engineering, regulations, and monitoring of a modern-day sanitary landfill. Visitors will also learn how SWACO diverts materials from the landfill and protects public health. Additional discussion topics include how to effectively recycle in Franklin County, natural resource conservation, and how waste reduction and diversion can have a positive impact on the economy.
Immediately following the presentation, participants will visit the landfill working face in a bus or SWACO vehicle to observe the operations first-hand. Attendees will remain in a vehicle at all times.
* Masks are optional for visitors while in our facilities and on the landfill tour.
* STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK – No one should be attending the landfill tour if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, isolating, or quarantining after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 or have COVID-19. If anyone becomes ill during the tour, they will be sent home.
School Tours
School tours and field trips are provided throughout the year. Tours are offered Monday - Friday between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The tour includes an in-classroom presentation at the Education Resource Center and ends with an in-vehicle tour of the landfill. SWACO offers schools within Franklin County bus reimbursement of up to $220 for transportation expenses. Children in 1st grade and above are welcome and teachers have the option to choose from several different types of presentations.
Public Tours
Tours for the general public are provided several times a year and are free to the public. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and include a presentation at the Education and Resource Center and end with an in-vehicle tour. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on the tours. Space is limited and is reserved on a first come first serve basis.
Upcoming Public Tour Dates:
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May 30, 2026 - WAITLIST
Sign-Up For Upcoming Public Tours
Take Our Virtual Tour
Interested in hosting a SWACO educator virtually to further discuss the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and safe disposal at the landfill?
Send an email to [email protected] or call 614-782-9429 to schedule a program.
Landfill Tour Survey
Did you recently take a Franklin County Sanitary Landfill Tour and you'd like to provide feedback? If so, please take our survey
To inquire about taking a tour of the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill or if you have any questions, please contact SWACO.