The City of Altus Landfill Department is now operating with a powerful upgrade — a brand-new Aljon 500, a 95,000-pound compactor designed to help maximize space and improve landfill efficiency.
Landfill Supervisor Kyle Pipho shared a quick look at the new equipment and what it means for the future of local waste management.
“This new compactor was built in Iowa and arrived in Altus early this morning around 6:30,” said Pipho. “Its job is to press down the trash to save as much airspace as possible in each landfill cell. That helps us get more use out of each cell before we need to build a new one.”
The previous compactor was a 2017 model that had already logged over 10,000 hours. Landfill equipment like this operates in some of the harshest conditions possible, so it is essential to plan for replacements before they become unreliable.
Pipho and his team began researching replacement options last December. The City budgeted for the upgrade in June 2025, and after careful evaluation, chose the Aljon 500. The new compactor is not only newer and more advanced, but it also outweighs the previous one by 3,000 pounds. That extra weight, combined with upgraded wheels, is expected to deliver better compaction and increased efficiency.
“The old one was 92,000 pounds. This one is heavier and better equipped, which means we can compact the trash more tightly and make each cell last longer,” Pipho explained.
Operators will also appreciate the improved cab and updated features. As Kyle put it with a smile,
“Our guys are really going to enjoy the new cab… it's a whole lot cleaner — at least for now.”
The City of Altus continues to prioritize smart infrastructure investments that support long-term planning, environmental stewardship, and daily operations for residents across the community.
