Kempsey Waste Management Centre is once again receiving red-bin waste after the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted Council a licence variation on 29 December 2024, enabling waste to be deposited into Cell 4, the new landfill site.
Over the past two years, Kempsey Shire Council has completed a range of remediation and building projects at the Waste Management Centre to improve the environmental outcomes at the site.
This program of works included the construction of Cell 4, our newest cell for receiving waste, as well as extensive infrastructure remediation works. A key component of the works was the construction of a leachate treatment plant and irrigation system, which were key requirements for the EPA to grant the licence variation to Council.
Wes Trotter, Director Utilities for Kempsey Shire Council, said that the process of constructing a new landfill site has had many layers of complexity, but he is thrilled that the Kempsey Waste Management Centre is now approved to use Cell 4 to receive waste.
"The works that have been completed at the Waste Management Centre provide capacity to manage our Shire's household, commercial, construction and demolition waste into the future, in a way that benefits both the community and the environment," said Mr Trotter.
Jason Magill, Manager Waste for Kempsey Shire Council, explained that the innovative new leachate treatment plant utilises a nature-based algal treatment system, so that contaminated water from the Waste Management Centre can be treated before being irrigated.
"A leachate and stormwater treatment plant to treat wastewater from the site has been installed and tested over the past 12 months, with positive and compliant results over that time period," said Mr Magill.
"Treating the runoff from the site not only reduces the load on the storage ponds, especially in rain events, but also enables the treated water to be used onsite to manage dust."
"In addition, new stormwater drains have been installed around the perimeter of the site to prevent runoff from entering the environment."
Peter Hodson, Alliance Construction Group Project Manager, said his team worked to a tight schedule to ensure the safe opening of the landfill cell, with works including bulk earthworks, drainage and access road works.
"It's a great feeling, being a local company and having the ability to work on a project that will provide better facilities to the community," said Mr Hodson.
"Our team worked diligently seven days a week with our fleet of machines and some local subcontractors to ensure that works were completed and ready for the Christmas break."
Kempsey Shire Council is grateful to the EPA, who worked collaboratively to find the best solution for both the community and the environment.
Kempsey Shire Council is committed to sustainable waste management and encourages residents to sort their rubbish carefully to ensure recyclables, organic waste and toxic materials are separated from landfill waste.
Council provides resources to minimise waste entering the landfill site, including green and yellow bins for kerbside pickup and the Community Recycling Centres at the Waste Management Centre and Transfer Stations.
