Home » Compactor extends landfill life

Compactor extends landfill life

The purchase of a $1.2 million compactor will see an extension to the lifespan of the South Hedland Landfill Facility, ensuring the site can meet the forecasted demand of the Town of Port Hedland’s growing population and economy.

The Caterpillar 836K compactor weighs a whopping 55 tonnes and is the only one of its size in Australia.

The purpose of the compactor is to compact waste which reduces voids, leading to a lesser risk of fire outbreaks and minimising air space within the waste.

CEO Mal Osborne says the purchase of the compactor is a significant investment by the Town of Port Hedland as the organisation continues to engage in best
practice operations.

“The South Hedland Landfill Facility is one of the largest industrial landfill sites in the whole of WA, with approximately 150,000 tonnes of industrial waste making up the 167,000 tonnes we receive on average per year.

 “All landfill sites have a limited lifespan and the Town is eager to investigate innovative ways to continue to extend the life of our facility so we can provide this service for the next five to ten years.

“It is expected that the compactor will assist by extending the life of the landfill site by approximately an extra two years which is a great outcome for the community.”

The Town of Port Hedland is planning for the relocation of the South Hedland Landfill Facility and is currently investigating a number of site options.

Digital Editions


  • Lockyer send flood expert north

    Lockyer send flood expert north

    Lockyer Valley Regional Council has answered the call for assistance from a community impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, with a staff member from Council’s Disaster…

More News

  • Lockyer announce Scott Greensill as CEO

    Lockyer announce Scott Greensill as CEO

    Lockyer Valley Regional Council has appointed Scott Greensill as its new Chief Executive Officer. Councillors formally approved the appointment of Mr Greensill at a Special Meeting of Council in February.…

  • Myers resigns for health reasons

    Myers resigns for health reasons

    Wollongong’s Councillor Tiana Myers has resigned, as a Ward Three Councillor for City Council due to health reasons. Cr Myers was elected to Council in 2024 with a focus on…

  • Acknowledging women’s role in councils

    Acknowledging women’s role in councils

    Council representatives from across the state gathered in Sydney today for Local Government NSW’s (LGNSW) International Women’s Day event. Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of LGNSW, said the event was an…

  • Kylie Davies beats strong field

    Kylie Davies beats strong field

    Flinders Shire Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Kylie Davies as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms Davies will start in the role on 13 April following a…

  • Leaving on a high

    Leaving on a high

    Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer Darren Fuzzard will end his tenure at the council in July 2026, marking ten years of service to the organisation and community. Mr…

  • Safety first for transport corridor

    Safety first for transport corridor

    Traversing a major Townsville transit corridor spanning three suburbs will soon be safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, with Townsville City Council commencing a $3.8 million upgrade of Hugh and…

  • Creating long-term employment pathways

    Creating long-term employment pathways

    The Shire of Carnarvon is creating long-term employment pathways and strengthening workforce capability through its participation in the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) Program, a national initiative designed to…

  • Cool summer plan for Campbelltown

    Cool summer plan for Campbelltown

    Extreme heat is the biggest killer of natural disasters in Australia, exceeding that for any other environmental disaster combined, including floods, storms, bushfires and cyclones. While high temperatures pose risks…

  • Bathurst has it’s scrap together

    Bathurst has it’s scrap together

    Bathurst Regional Council has successfully concluded its ‘Let’s Get Our Scrap Together’ campaign, launched on 1 September 2025 with funding from the NSW Government and delivered in collaboration with NetWaste…

  • Baw Baw acting CEO tenure extended

    Baw Baw acting CEO tenure extended

    Baw Baw Shire Council has extended the contract of Acting Chief Executive Officer Sally Jones until 30 June 2026. The matter was considered as a confidential item in the late…