Leeton Shire Council is working to be prepared for that moment having recently endorsed its Leeton Landfill Closure and Filling Plan.

The current landfill was commissioned in 2006 following the closure of the Brobenah landfill.

The site is licenced to accept 20,000 tonnes of waste per year under an Environment Protection Authority (EPA) licence.

Council said the new plan was developed for the site to provide it with a clear direction on the works and operations required to facilitate the future rehabilitation of the landfill disposal areas and post-closure management requirements.

According to council, this has been done in accordance with the NSW Solid Waste Guidelines.

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There are three distinct stages within the closure and filling plan:

In his report to council, group manager operations Tom Steele said the remaining life of stage one at the landfill was estimated to be 18 years (assumed completion date 2038-39) and consists of seven remaining trenches.

"Permanent capping of the trenches within stage one is to be undertaken progressively or in a single event," he said.

"The landfill area in stage two will include 12 landfill cells designed in accordance with the EPA guidelines.

"The life of stage two is estimated at 80 years.

"The capping will occur over three phases. The final profile of stage two with be 15-metres above ground level."

The third stage details the post-closure use of the site, which is to continue its operation as a waste facility, including the operation of the Community Recycling Centre.

In the future, further material processing and recovery infrastructure may be established at the site.

However, no infrastructure will be placed on the landfill and it will be rehabilitated with natural vegetation or returned to agricultural grazing lands, which could provide a source of revenue for the council.

The closure plan identifies an estimated landfill life of 90 years.

At the current consumption, it is projected the landfill will actually last 108 years.

"Further diversion of recyclable and organic waste from the landfill may further extend its useful life," Mr Steele said in his report.

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