No replacement planned for Surf Coast landfill

THE Surf Coast Shire’s only landfill is expected to reach capacity by the end of the decade, with no replacement planned either locally or anywhere else in Victoria.

Instead, the shire hopes to extend the life of the Anglesea landfill beyond its projected 2030 closure by reducing the amount of waste sent there through improved recycling.

Once it closes, any residual waste will need to be transported outside the municipality for processing or disposal.

The change is expected to add about $320,000 a year to the shire’s operating costs.

General manager of placemaking and environment Chris Pike said the exact timing of the Anglesea landfill’s closure would depend on annual waste volumes.

“There are no options to extend the Anglesea landfill within the current site and no plans to open a landfill elsewhere in the shire,” he said.

The state government’s Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan guides planning and investment in waste, recycling and resource recovery infrastructure.

Last updated in 2024, the plan does not include a location for a new landfill in Victoria through to 2054.

Instead, the plan says new landfills are unnecessary because waste-to-energy projects, waste reduction and diversion initiatives, and expanded recycling infrastructure are expected to keep waste volumes within the state’s existing landfill capacity.

After the landfill closes, the Anglesea Transfer Station and Resale Shed will remain open to provide recycling and reuse services.

 

“Residual waste that cannot be recycled or recovered will need to be transported outside Surf Coast Shire for appropriate processing or disposal,” Pike said.

The closest landfill is in Fyansford in the City of Greater Geelong, which the Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Plan estimates has another 14 to 18 years of capacity.

Pike said the community could help extend the life of the Anglesea landfill.

“We can all help extend the life of the Anglesea landfill by creating less waste and putting the right things in the right bins,” Pike said.

He said the shire’s four-bin system was diverting about 70 per cent of household waste through recycling and food and garden organics collections.

“It’s a great result, but with everyone’s help, we can do even better,” Pike said. “We’re continuing to educate our community about ways to reduce waste and recycle more, while making it easier to recycle items that can’t go in household bins.

“Initiatives include providing drop-off points for soft plastics, polystyrene and other items at the Anglesea Transfer Station, and small e-waste and batteries at a range of locations across the shire.”