Rumpke Waste & Recycling welcomed more than 100 neighbors and community partners to the Medora Landfill for its annual picnic Sept. 14.

Guests received a fried fish dinner, and several brought side dishes and desserts to share.

The event also featured a few rounds of bingo as well as landfill and recycling center tours, where guests learned about the history of the site, daily operations and future development plans.

“This tradition began in 1996 and continues to be a highlight year after year, providing the opportunity to gather with neighbors for good food and fellowship,” said Brad Marlow, manager of the landfill. “After two years of drive-thru-style picnics, it was great to be back in person to connect with the community and offer a firsthand look at the site and our operations.”

The picnic concluded with an awards presentation to recognize the best dishes of the evening. Rumpke gave the Golden Fork Award for best side dish to Sylvia England for her sweet and sour kraut. Dessie Byarlay earned the Golden Spoon Award for her dessert, apple dumplings.

The Medora Landfill opened in 1971 and was purchased by Rumpke in 1983. Today, the site provides environmentally sound disposal for the southern Indiana and Kentuckiana region. The landfill is permitted to accept up to 2,000 tons of waste daily.

Rumpke’s Medora Recycling Center, located near the landfill, processes approximately 700 tons of material each month. Recyclable material is collected from residential, commercial and industrial customers. Some recyclables are transported directly to in-state manufacturers to create new products, while Rumpke transports the remaining items to its regional recycling facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, for processing.

For information about Rumpke or to schedule a facility tour, call 800-828-8171 or visit rumpke.com.