Waste Management 

Community Sanitation and Solid Waste Management
Port Alsworth relies primarily on onsite wells and septic systems, which currently meet the community’s water and sewer needs. However, solid waste disposal has become a growing concern. Many residents burn waste or ship it out of the community, and past backhaul events have transported significant amounts of hazardous materials.

To address these challenges, the Port Alsworth Improvement Corporation (PAIC) is actively working to develop a local solid waste facility. This effort responds to increasing septic system use, improper waste disposal due to financial constraints, high transport costs, and the potential risk to shallow groundwater supplies.

PAIC is in the process of acquiring land from the local native corporation for the facility. Surveying and geotechnical work are underway to confirm site viability and road access.

Backhaul Alaska Program

In 2023, PAIC joined Backhaul Alaska, a statewide program that helps rural communities safely remove and recycle hazardous and harmful waste. Port Alsworth is part of the Lakes Region team alongside Pedro Bay and Iliamna. By working together, we’re able to consolidate waste and transport it out of the region for proper disposal.

As of summer 2024, Port Alsworth has successfully removed:

• 10,000 lbs of batteries

• 5,200 lbs of e-waste

• 300 lbs of fluorescent lightbulbs

Total removed: 15,550 lbs

This work helps protect our environment, improve community health, and keep Port Alsworth a clean and safe place to live.

2023/2024 Backhaul & Hazmat Training

To participate in the Backhaul Alaska program, community members must complete Uniform Backhaul Training, which provides the knowledge and skills needed to safely prepare and package materials for shipment. Those who finish the course earn Certified Signer status, a requirement for anyone handling backhaul materials.

The training covers DOT safety standards, recordkeeping, and proper packaging for items such as batteries, e-waste, and fluorescent lights. In addition, specialized Refrigerant Recovery Training is available to help communities safely remove and manage refrigerants from appliances and landfill waste through both classroom and hands-on instruction.

At PAIC, we prioritize this training to keep Port Alsworth safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible—while also ensuring our community has the expertise needed to handle waste properly and protect the region for future generations.

Solid Waste Planning & Budgeting Training

This training approaches solid waste management as a utility operation, using self-assessments and group discussions to explore the nine key management areas needed for effective and sustainable utility services. Participants identify their program’s strengths and weaknesses and leave with a clear plan for improvement. The training also features guest speakers on climate change planning for solid waste management and strategies for education and outreach.

A major focus is “The Business of Trash”, with an in-depth review of the Solid Waste Management for Rural Alaska Operational Guidance. This resource focuses on improving waste management in communities with Class III landfills, which face unique challenges due to their small size and remote locations. The guidance outlines Best Management Practices to help community leaders and landfill operators manage waste safely, protect human health, and reduce environmental impacts—while building greater community self-reliance in waste management.

2021 Green Star Community Program Award

The Green Star Communities program recognizes Alaska communities that demonstrate leadership in waste reduction, energy conservation, and pollution prevention. Communities that meet the program’s standards are celebrated for their accomplishments and receive an on-site assessment to identify service gaps, strengthen existing programs, and uncover opportunities for sustainable improvements. The program also highlights specific projects that showcase environmental excellence and community commitment.

The Port Alsworth Improvement Corporation (PAIC) was honored as a Green Star Community for its 2020 waste management efforts. Our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection and Backhaul project significantly reduced the volume of potentially harmful materials in the community, protecting both the environment and local residents. This achievement reflects Port Alsworth’s dedication to responsible waste management, environmental stewardship, and community self-reliance, and demonstrates how small, coordinated efforts can make a meaningful impact on sustainability in rural Alaska.

2020 Backhaul Project
As part of fulfilling a short-term capital improvement goal and supporting long-term waste management priorities, PAIC conducted a backhaul project in 2020 to remove accumulated waste from Port Alsworth. Because the community has no coordinated waste management system or local hazardous waste options, these projects are essential for protecting public health and the environment.

During this project, PAIC removed a total of 21,928 pounds of waste, including:

• 14,823 lbs of household non-burnable waste

• 3,350 lbs of batteries

• 3,079 lbs of appliances

• 676 lbs of electronic waste

These efforts help mitigate sanitation risks, reduce environmental contamination, and support community self-reliance in managing solid waste.

PAIC’s backhaul projects also highlight the ongoing need for a local solid waste disposal facility. With most residents relying on onsite septic systems and limited options for transporting waste out of the community, a local landfill will provide a safer, more sustainable solution for Port Alsworth, reducing costs and protecting the community’s groundwater and overall health.