New landfill cell getting ready to roll as part of expansion project

Published on 08 August 2024

Rockhampton Regional Council is constructing a new landfill cell at the Lakes Creek Road Landfill as part of one of many comprehensive approaches to managing the region’s waste.

The construction of the new cell ‘Cell D’ is the latest phase of Council's successful 'Piggyback' extension project, which has seen five new landfill cells added to the site since 2018.

This innovative approach involves creating new landfill sections on top of existing ones, maximising the site's capacity and extending its lifespan until 2042, based on current tonnages being disposed.

Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said the project has been instrumental in extending the lifespan of the landfill at Council’s Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility.

"The 'Piggyback' process commenced in late 2018 after the original Lakes Creek Road Landfill reached full capacity,” Cr Latcham said.

“The technique involves using the latest technology in lining systems to ensure environmental protection, with each liner consisting of a natural clay layer, a geosynthetic clay layer, and a 2mm thick linear low density polyethylene liner.

“This layered system, combined with geotextiles, aggregate and a pipe network for drainage, effectively captures and pumps the liquid generated by waste decomposition to the sewage plant for treatment.

“Landfills also produce methane gas as part of the decomposition of waste. This gas is currently captured and thermally destroyed. The future plan is to use this methane gas to produce electricity once viable.”

Construction of Cell D, which is the next landfill cell scheduled for use, is nearing completion and will be ready to accept waste from September this year.

“The landfill cells will be progressively developed, filled, capped, rehabilitated, and grassed,” Cr Latcham said.

"Construction of the remaining three landfill cells will commence gradually over the next 12 years to maintain ongoing operating capacity."

Cell D is expected to handle two and a half years' worth of waste if residents remain conscious of their generation of waste.

“Unfortunately we have observed that the volume of waste being disposed has increased by 7,000 tonnes per annum from 2020 to 2024, and 60,000 tonnes has been landfilled in the past 12 months alone,” Cr Latcham said.

“This increase is placing significant pressure on the life expectancy of the Lakes Creek Road Landfill, and therefore as a community we must work together to reduce the amount of waste our households generate.

“We all have a role to play. By recycling right, reducing the amount of waste we create, and making more mindful decisions by purchasing better quality items and items with less packaging, we can significantly minimise our landfill usage.”

What you can do to minimise waste to landfill:

• Recycle the right items in your yellow lid bin.
• Use the free drop-off at all Council Waste Facilities for recoverable items like e-waste, batteries, polystyrene, gas bottles, motor and cooking oils, bulk cardboard and scrap metal.
• Extend the life of pre-loved good condition household items through garage sales, dropping off for free at Reuse Shops, or donating to local charities.
• Fight food waste by meal planning, not over-catering, and using what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer, plus cooking with leftovers in smoothies, soups, stocks and lunches.