Strong differences in perceptions of risk were found to exist between community leaders and the general public in Sumter County, Alabama, site of the nation's largest hazardous waste landfill. This landfill has been in operation since 1978. Data were obtained from three sources: semistructured interviews with community leaders and knowledgeable individuals, a random mail survey, and a door‐to‐door survey. Community leaders identified through the reputational method were found to trust the facility operator's assessment of minimal risk associated with the facility. Reasons for this acceptance by local leaders are explored. The general public was far less convinced by the company's assurances and viewed the facility with alarm. The prevailing “mill town”; atmosphere of the area discourages vocal opposition, which is limited to a small activist environmental organization.