(IsraelNN.com) Many tourists and Israelis returning to the Jewish State become teary-eyed as they view the Tel Aviv shores from their airplane window. But for many years, Tel Aviv commuters viewed an eye-sore while passing by Mount Hiria, a former garbage dump just north of Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Mount Hiria began its operation as a waste disposal site for the greater Tel Aviv region in 1952. Hiria was the “backyard”, literally the “garbage can” of Tel Aviv’s metropolis.

Although tons of trash are transferred  daily, Hiria's landfill is closed.
Avraham Zuroff

That is all about to change.

In 1998, the Ministry of Environment closed the garbage dump due to the severe environmental damage that it caused. The mountain extending 82 meters above sea level (about 60 meters above its surroundings) is being converted into an ecologically friendly park, as part of the Ayalon Park, the largest green space in the Tel Aviv area. Hiria will be known as the Ariel Sharon Park, after the former Prime Minister who approved the use of the landfill and surrounding area for the park.

Hiria consulted a year later with environmental experts on how to reverse existing environmental damage and prevent all future damage caused by rotting waste. Only at the entrance, which is used as a garbage transfer and recycling station, does one get a whiff of Hiria’s odorous past. At the visitor center and park site, visitors smell nothing. And plans are already underway to convert the waste into useful energy. Methane gasses emitted from Hiria are harnessed and converted into energy that will be used for building and maintaining the park.

Hiria's CEO, Danny Sternberg, talks with environmentalists on top of Mount Hiria
Avraham Zuroff

All odors and visual reminders will be removed to guarantee an enjoyable experience at the Park.

If you're down in the dumps, let this "giraffe" cheer you up.
Avraham Zuroff

The Visitor's Center at the foot of Mount Hiria teaches the history of the former garbage dump and its innovative recycling center.

Even the toys are recycled at Hiria
Avraham Zuroff

The guides provide lessons to Israeli youth on the importance of conservation. At the Visitor’s Center, you can get a “green” feeling by looking at sculptures, furniture, and even clothing recycled from trash.

Odorless yet fashionable recycled clothing at Hiria's visitor's center
Avraham Zuroff

One person's trash is another's art
Avraham Zuroff

For more information, groups are welcome to contact the Ayalon Park at: +972-3-739-6633, friends@ayalon-park.org.il, or visit their website, www.ayalon-park.org.il