Rockhampton leading the way in landfill innovation

Published on 01 March 2019

Rockhampton Regional Council’s Waste and Recycling team have introduced yet more innovative solutions at the Lakes Creek Landfill.

Last year the ‘Piggy Back’ project extended the lifespan of the landfill site for another 40 years by adding additional cells. Each cell is capable of taking 180,000 cubic metres of waste.

Chair of Council’s Waste Committee, Councillor Fisher, said Council was now making the Piggy Back project more environmentally sustainable by using recycled materials in the cells.

“It’s really important that each of the cells has an excellent lining system to ensure liquid that is generated as waste decomposes does not enter the environment.

“This lining needs to be protected when the cell is initially filled to ensure sharp waste doesn’t damage it, and part of that protection would usually be provided by screened sand supplied from the local area.

“However our Waste and Recycling team will instead be taking glass from our local recycling facility after it has been crushed into tiny particles, similar in size to screened sand. This means we will be using 100% recycled materials rather than taking sand from the natural environment.”

Councillor Fisher said that its use wouldn’t stop there.

“As we build more cells we will also use the processed glass in their construction, meaning that the glass from our recycling plant will be put to good use right here in Rockhampton for the next 5 to 10 years.

“We are also working with our Civil Operations team to see if the material can be used effectively in some of their projects.”

As well as the Piggy Back construction, a green buffer is being established with 2400 native trees recently planted along one kilometre of the frontage and entrance of the facility. This green buffer will provide additional screening for the residents and traffic along Lakes Creek Road.