At the landfill, Vandersall has managed the day-to-day operations including its engineering, waste disposal, office functions, and business generation. The engineering importance at Countywide is vital, as this allows for the safe, environmentally sound disposal of municipal waste. Critical components include construction of the landfill’s underlying liner system, which protects groundwater and collects fluid created from the decomposition of waste. Other aspects include the engineering and maintenance of the landfill’s storm water and landfill gas collection system. It is very complicated. In fact, it was much more complicated than Vandersall’s decision to attend the University of Akron. Originally from Stow, Tim chose the University of Akron for his Bachelor’s of Science degree and it was an easy decision. “Akron has a good reputation for its engineering and was close to home. It was a logical choice,” said Vandersall. The University of Akron started Tim’s 20-year career in the solid waste industry even before he graduated from UA. “I secured an internship with Waste Management. Soon after, I was hired full-time by them and I’ve spent the last 20 years at Countywide.” Waste Management opened Countywide in April 1991 before current owner Republic Services purchased the landfill in 1998. Through the changes, Vandersall stayed. His Akron education has been his foundation. “Dr. Arnbuckle was a big influence on me. He taught the only environmental and waste class at that time. He had a very practical mind,” said Vandersall. “I also fondly remember being a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Zips’ concrete canoe team. We raced our canoes in Maryland and Akron, taking first and second place. The team building and thrill of competition was excellent,” he added. While on campus, Tim also was a member of the Tau Beta Pi fraternity and participated in the university’s many intramural sport activities. He feels he received a well-rounded education. “I came into college thinking, why do I need to learn about western culture if I want to be an engineer? But I left thinking that some of the non-engineering courses were some of the most interesting,” said Vandersall. “I would absolutely recommend the University of Akron to an interested engineering student. Akron is a solid academic facility with a multitude of learning possibilities at an affordable price. Akron will prepare the student for the job market and provided me with a well-rounded education.” The University of Akron’s influence on the solid waste industry does not end with Tim Vandersall. 1979 Bachelor of Science Geology graduate Rick Kostelnick manages the Lorain County Landfill in Oberlin, Ohio. Originally from Bath and Revere High School, Kostelnick has worked with Allied Waste Services and now Republic Services (Republic merged with Allied effective January 1, 2009) for 10 years.
A landfill may not be the most commonly known location for someone with an engineering degree, but 1990 Civil Engineering graduate Tim Vandersall has found his niche at the Countywide Recycling and Disposal Facility, a 921-acre landfill located approximately ten miles south of Canton.
Kostelnick began in the geology field 30 years ago and his University of Akron education helped pave the way.
“At Akron, I got involved with the Geology Club and went to a Geology Field Camp in Wyoming and Montana in 1978. Dr. Burford was the head of the Geology Department and was my student advisor. He helped me get my first job as a geologist,” said Kostelnick.
Kostelnick feels his well-rounded education has made a difference.
“I know that when you are in school, you talk to your friends about how ‘I’ll never use any of this.’ That is not true. I use aspects of just about every class in what I do daily, particularly chemistry, geochemistry, English, and yes, even Western Culture. If I had to do it again, I would have taken more English and Business elective courses,” added Kostelnick.
Rick’s son Dan graduated from the University of Akron in 2008 with a degree in Supply Chain Management. Dan works for Advanced Drainage Systems in suburban Columbus.
“Dan is already in a corporate position. Akron is a great school. I enjoyed my time there and so did my son. I highly recommend it for anyone,” said Kostelnick.
Countywide RDF consists of 921 acres located just north of Bolivar in southern Stark County’s Pike Township. Of the 921 acres, 170 acres are currently permitted for non-hazardous waste disposal. Countywide is the only 100% lined landfill in the Stark-Wayne-Tuscarawas Joint Solid Waste District. Countywide serves 26 Northeast Ohio counties and does not accept out-of-state waste. More details about Countywide can be found at www.countywideohio.com.
Lorain County Landfill is a non-hazardous landfill located just east of Oberlin in New Russia Township. The landfill is conveniently located near the State Route 511 exit off US 20. Opened in 1972, Lorain County Landfill has 1,400 acres with 279 acres devoted to landfill disposal. The landfill is permitted and inspected by all relevant governmental authorities including the Ohio EPA and Lorain County Health Department. More details about Lorain County Landfill can be found at www.loraincountylandfill.com. Countywide and Lorain County Landfill are owned and operated by Republic Services Incorporated, a leading provider of solid waste services in the United States. Republic provides non-hazardous solid waste collection services for commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential customers through more than 375 collection companies in 42 states and Puerto Rico. Republic also owns or operates more than 223 transfer stations, 192 solid waste landfills and 78 recycling facilities. The company’s 31,000 employees serve millions of residential customers under terms of contracts with more than 2,800 municipalities for waste collection and residential services. Republic also serves commercial customers throughout its expansive service area. More details can be found at www.republicservices.com.