Alectown Transfer Station & Landfill Closure

Temporary Closure

Alectown Landfill is closed whilst clearing and construction occur.

Project typeGrant funded with co-contribution by Parkes Shire Council
Project value$301,100
Project scheduleWork in progress
Completion Date31 October 2027

Project Overview

Parkes Shire Council has been successful in securing $210,400 in grant funding through the NSW Environment Protection Authority Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvements Grants program to introduce a modern transfer station at the existing Alectown Landfill site.

This project will see the closure of a high-risk landfill site and its transformation into a purpose-built transfer station, improving recycling stream management and providing long-term environmental protection for the Alectown community and wider Parkes Shire.

Project Background

Council representatives met with members of Alectown Community Inc, outlining the proposed plans for the new transfer station. The project received unanimous support from community members in attendance.

Mayor of Parkes Shire and Alectown local, Cr Neil Westcott, said the project represents an important step forward in providing best-practice waste management services for the community.

“This project will mitigate several environmental concerns the current landfill operation was posing, with potential groundwater impacts, odour, dust, windblown litter and fires all predicted to be practically eliminated. This new facility will provide improved security and amenity for Alectown while allowing for continued community access to waste disposal services and provide long term protection of the environment.”

What the Project Will Deliver

The Alectown Transfer Station will provide a safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible waste management facility, including:

Closure and rehabilitation of the existing high-risk landfill site
Construction of a modern, purpose-built transfer station
Dedicated areas for metal and green waste recycling
Improved site security and amenity
Reduced environmental risks, including groundwater contamination, odour, dust and windblown litter
Continued community access to waste disposal services

Once operational, the project is expected to divert approximately 160 tonnes of mixed waste annually from landfill.

Strategic Alignment

This project supports the objectives of the Parkes Shire Waste Management Strategy and the Community Strategic Plan, including:

Minimising waste sent to landfill
Recovering additional resources from the waste stream
Decreasing environmental impacts from landfilling
Promoting recycling, reuse and waste reduction across the Shire

Project Timeline

The project will be delivered over 18 months, with key stages including:

Finalisation of design
Construction of the new transfer station
Rehabilitation of the existing landfill site
Community education and information sessions

Regular updates will be provided to Alectown residents and the wider Parkes Shire community throughout the project.

Project update

The project continues to progress on schedule, with several key milestones achieved.

The Development Application (DA) was lodged with Council on 25 May 2026, and the required Crown Lands application has also progressed.

Site preparation works are nearing completion, including the clearing of vegetation and removal of waste materials. The final tyre cage will be removed once site conditions are dry enough to allow safe access.

The next stage of works will involve engaging a specialist contractor with a steel tyre compactor and dozer to level the cleared area. Following this, Council's Operations team will undertake final pad preparation using a grader and roller, ready for the construction of the new transfer station.

September 2026

Alectown landfill currently closed for clearing and construction work.

All historical rubbish has been removed and clearing and levelling is complete. Earthen bunds have been established for steel, tyre and green waste disposal. A retention dam on the western side of the property will make use of the land’s natural slope to capture storm runoff on the site.

Next steps: Construction of piers for a demountable office building is due to commence in September, followed by construction of a ramp and bin slab for users to drive onto to dispose of their waste safely and easily.

Both red (mixed waste) and yellow (recycling) skips will be either side of the raised slab to improve separation and allows waste to be transported by users to the transfer station loosely in ute trays or boots. These skips will be swapped out on a fortnightly basis, or as needed, with mixed waste transported to Parkes Waste Facility and recycling transported to Orange for baling, then on to Visy in Sydney for processing. Solar power will be used at the facility.

For further information, contact Council's Environment and Sustainability Team.