Local landfill top of its class

The Silverstream Landfill is one of the city’s largest assets and, according to a recent survey of residents, is visited by 63 percent of us at least once a year.

The landfill began operating in 1972 and with the opening last year of the stage two landfill it is the only Class A landfill in the Wellington region, and one of only a handful in the country.

It has earned its Class A status thanks to its high density polyethylene liner which prevents contaminants from escaping into the soil.

Hailed as a ‘state-of-the-art’ facility, the landfill collects approximately 300 tonnes of waste a day.

Bric-a-brac, oils, and metals are recycled, while methane created by the decomposition of organic materials is used to generate electricity for thousands of homes.

The landfill has been a winner or finalist in a number of nationally-recognised engineering awards.

Judges at the Ingenium Awards for infrastructure projects described the landfill as “a state-of-the-art facility using innovative technical solutions which demonstrate best practice in landfill design…that meet the highest levels of environmental protection and provides a healthy financial dividend to the community.”

Transpacific’s James Blair, who manages the landfill on behalf of the Council, says the landfill can get very busy.

“We get around 300 cars on a Saturday and Sunday, and during the summer months this can increase to 500-700.”

He recalls the most cars in one day was more than a 1,000.

James has advice for people wanting to avoid queues.

“The best thing to do is to arrive early in the morning as the busiest times of the day are either side of lunchtime and mid to late afternoon.”

He also warns people to be careful about what they throw out.

“I once had a woman in tears ring me saying her husband had mistakenly thrown out a wedding dress she was making for her daughter. Sadly it was never found.”

Landfill opening hours and directions.

Landfill facts

• It has an estimated life of 50 years.
• The total cost of development over this time will be approximately $34 million.
• According to the latest survey of residents, 81% of users are satisfied with the landfill, compared to an average of 73% of landfill users in other parts of New Zealand.
• It employs 13 people, which can increase to 15 in summer.
• It is open everyday except Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday.