Certain materials present a higher risk to landfill equipment, staff safety, or require additional handling time. These materials are classified as problematic waste at Buronga Landfill and may attract additional fees.
Problematic waste is often only an issue when mixed within general loads. When separated and placed in the correct disposal areas, some materials may not be classified as problematic. Council encourages operators to separate materials wherever possible before arriving on site.
How problematic waste is identified
Problematic waste is typically identified at the weighbridge. If materials are not visible at entry, landfill machinery operators may identify them once the load is deposited.
Loads containing significant quantities of problematic materials may be photographed for record keeping and compliance purposes.
Materials that may be classified as problematic
Materials comprising more than 30 percent of a mixed load may be classified as problematic. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Rolls of dripper line and rolled poly pipe (cut lengths of poly pipe 6m or less are not considered problematic)
- Large diameter posts greater than 150mm
- Vine cover rolls
- Bags filled with bulk bags (operators are encouraged to use Big Bag Recovery or Bag Muster programs where available)
- Cool-room panels
- Bird mesh, hail mesh and similar materials
Materials charged as problematic at any quantity
The following materials may attract problematic waste fees regardless of load size:
- Wire and wire mesh (metal-only loads can be placed in the scrap metal area at no charge)
- Large concrete blocks, such as footings more than 500mm in diameter (should be placed in the concrete stockpile area where directed)
- Large tree stumps more than 500mm in diameter (should be placed in the oversize green waste stockpile)
- Hazardous materials, including undeclared asbestos, toxic chemicals, or live firearm ammunition
Asbestos loads greater than 100kg must be reported to the EPA and handled in accordance with legal requirements.
Separating materials helps reduce costs
Separating recyclable and difficult materials before arriving at the landfill improves safety, reduces processing time, and may lower disposal fees. Landfill staff can direct operators to the correct stockpile areas on arrival.
For further guidance, commercial operators are encouraged to contact Council prior to delivery.