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Silverstream the environmentally friendly landfill

Tuesday 6 November 2012, 5:32PM

By Hutt City Council

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Wainuiomata landfill is set to permanently close on 31 December 2012, following the introduction of the Government’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Had council opted to keep the Wainuiomata landfill open, it would have had to significantly increase landfill fees, explains General Manager Bruce Sherlock.

​From 1 January 2013, Wainuiomata landfill users have the option of using the privately owned and operated Seaview Recycle and Transfer Station or council’s “class A” landfill in Silverstream. Pricing at Seaview is similar to both the Wainuiomata and Silverstream landfills.

“The transfer station in Seaview is only 2km farther than the Wainuiomata landfill from the centre of  Wainuiomata so this is the closest option for locals,” says Bruce.

The other option, council’s Silverstream landfill, is modern and fully-lined, making it the region’s most environmentally friendly landfill. “The landfill’s environmental credentials mean the ETS will not have the same effect on prices at Silverstream as it would have in Wainuiomata.”

Silverstream landfill was created by shaping the rock face into steps, putting porous concrete on to the face of the steps, then draping them with liner. The liner ensures all leachate is captured and piped to the treatment plant in Seaview.

​Gas generated by the landfill is also captured and converted to electricity at an on-site power station. At full capacity, the power station has the potential to generate up to 4 megawatts – enough to power 8,000 homes.

​Weekly kerbside collection of household waste and recycling remains unchanged. Friday is collection day in Wainuiomata.

​Bruce encourages people to consider whether their household items can be given another life before throwing them away. “With kerbside recycling and community recycling stations throughout the city, including Wainuiomata, there are plenty of opportunities to recycle and reduce our waste.”

Click here to view more information about rubbish and recycling.