Did you know the Tamala Park landfill, which handles rubbish for many northern suburbs of Perth, is expected to be full by 2028? This is a big deal for our community because it means we need new ways to deal with all the waste we create every day.
Without a solid plan, we could face higher costs, more pollution, and fewer options for removing rubbish. Here’s what’s happening and how we can all play a part in managing this waste challenge.
Why Tamala Park is Closing
Tamala Park landfill has been handling waste for years, but it’s reaching its limit. Once it’s full, the site will be capped and rehabilitated, so it will no longer take in rubbish.
Instead, the land will be transformed into a safe and sustainable space. However, this leaves local councils scrambling to figure out what to do with the growing piles of rubbish.
What Can We Do About It?
The good news is that there are plenty of smart and sustainable solutions to reduce our reliance on landfills. Here are some practical strategies already being discussed or implemented in Perth:
1. Waste-to-Energy Facilities
What if our rubbish could help power our homes? That’s the idea behind waste-to-energy plants.
These facilities burn non-recyclable waste to produce electricity. Not only does this reduce landfill use, but it also cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions.
The City of Joondalup is already exploring this option, which could be a game-changer for our community.
2. Better Recycling Programs
A lot of what ends up in landfills could be recycled. By expanding curbside recycling services and setting up more community recycling centres, we can give materials like paper, glass, and plastics a second life.
Simple steps, like making sure we only put the right items in the yellow-lid bin, can go a long way.
3. Composting for Organic Waste
Did you know that food scraps and garden waste make up a big part of what’s thrown away? Instead of sending this to the landfill, we can turn it into compost.
Councils can help by providing compost bins and running workshops on how to compost at home. Some areas are even setting up community composting sites where you can drop off organic waste.
4. Reducing Waste at the Source
The less waste we create, the less we need to deal with. Simple changes, like using reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee cups, can make a big difference.
Local governments are also encouraging businesses to cut down on packaging and use more sustainable materials.
5. Capturing Energy from Landfill Gas
Even as Tamala Park closes, we can still make use of the methane gas produced by decomposing waste. This gas can be captured and turned into energy, which helps reduce greenhouse emissions while providing a cleaner energy source.
6. Councils Working Together
This isn’t a problem any single council can solve. By teaming up and sharing resources, Perth’s councils can create a smarter, more efficient waste management system that benefits everyone.
What Can You Do Today?
Even small actions at home can make a big difference:
- Recycle Right
Learn what can and can’t go in your recycling bin. Contamination (like food scraps in the recycling bin) can mean whole truckloads of recycling end up in landfills. - Start Composting
If you have space, start composting food and garden waste. If not, look for a local drop-off point. - Think Before You Buy
Choose products with less packaging and invest in reusable items. - Spread the Word
Talk to your friends and family about waste reduction and share tips for living sustainably.
The closure of Tamala Park is a reminder that we need to rethink how we deal with waste. By embracing new technologies, improving recycling, and working together, we can reduce our impact on the environment and build a more sustainable future.
Let’s start today—every little bit counts! If you’re in the northern suburbs of Perth and need affordable waste solutions, check out Ezyskips Online for the cheapest skip bin hire Perth northern suburbs to make recycling easier and more convenient!
Contact your local council to find out about waste reduction programs in your area! If you have any questions or need extra help, don’t hesitate to contact us for more tips and solutions.
