Published on Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 12:38:51 PM
On 30 July 2026, Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) lodged an application with the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) for an amendment to its licence for Tamala Park Waste Management Facility.
If approved, this licence amendment would allow MRC to operate a temporary waste transfer station: an area on the existing landfill surface where the household waste we receive would be loaded into larger trucks and sent to another facility for disposal.
Why has MRC made this application?
After 35 years of operations, the landfill at Tamala Park is close to reaching the limit of its approved capacity.
While some member councils have now begun sending ‘red bin’ waste to the new Kwinana Energy Recovery facility, others continue to deliver their residents’ household waste to Tamala Park, for disposal.
On 3 August 2026, DWER refused a separate works approval application for the proposed southern piggyback cell and leachate management area. MRC has appealed that decision. The transfer application is being assessed separately.
In the meantime, temporary measures may be needed to help maintain household waste services and allow council trucks to continue delivering waste to Tamala Park.
This is what the application for a licence amendment is intended to do.
How would the temporary waste transfer area work?
If approved, the temporary waste transfer area would be located on the existing landfill surface, allowing council trucks to unload in much the same way as they do today.
The difference would be in what happens to the household waste once it is unloaded.
Instead of being put into the landfill, the waste would be consolidated into larger trucks for delivery to another site, for disposal.
This would allow MRC to continue accepting household waste from its member councils (and their residents) and arrange its onward transport and disposal while separate landfill closure planning progresses.
Will I notice any changes?
The proposal is intended to maintain important kerbside bin collection services with minimal disruption for residents.
If approved, council trucks would continue to deliver waste to Tamala Park using the existing entrance and weighbridge. Waste would be unloaded in the proposed temporary waste transfer area, which is located on the existing landfill surface.
Recycling, reuse and bulk waste drop-off services at Tamala Park would remain open as normal, though the site may be busier than usual – especially at the weighbridge.
Those living to the north and north-east of Tamala Park may notice more waste delivery trucks on the road, travelling between the two sites. The route these delivery trucks would take would be chosen to minimise disruption to people living nearby.
How would odour be managed?
We recognise that some people living close to the site are concerned about landfill odours.
The proposed transfer operation would need to manage odour from unloading, handling and temporarily storing fresh waste.
The smell from fresh rubbish tends to stay close to where it is unloaded. Buried rubbish produces gases that can remain noticeable much farther away. With prompt removal of waste and appropriate odour controls, the proposed transfer operation is not expected to affect odour impacts for nearby residents.
Under the proposal - if approved - most waste would leave the site by the end of each day, and any remaining waste would be covered overnight to help minimise odour.
MRC would be responsible for operating the transfer area and managing its odour controls, subject to DWER’s assessment and applicable licence conditions. MRC would continue to monitor and manage odour and respond to reports from the community.
For regular updates on odour management at Tamala Park or to make an odour report, please visit mrc.wa.gov.au/odour.
How long would this change last?
The proposed arrangement is only temporary.
When the arrangement could commence would depend on DWER’s approval and the necessary works and operating arrangements being in place. Its duration would also depend on ongoing service requirements and any conditions of approval. The application does not determine the landfill’s final closure approach or timing.
Regular updates would be published on the MRC website and we are committed to keeping you informed, throughout the process.
How would this proposal affect landfill closure?
Closing a landfill safely is a complex process that takes time and must meet strict environmental standards.
The completed landfill must form a final shape (known as a final profile) that allows rainwater to flow safely off the surface and away from the waste below.
Much of the landfill has already been completed and capped. The final approach for the remaining area is currently being considered through technical assessments, closure planning and regulatory processes.
These processes will determine the final landform, any materials needed and the environmental controls required to complete the closure process safely.
The proposed waste transfer area would allow waste delivered to Tamala Park to be sent to another disposal facility while this important work continues.
How can I find out more?
Further information on the application can be found on the DWER licences and works approvals assessments portal, here.
If you have any questions regarding the proposal, you can email us on admin@mrc.wa.gov.au, or call us on (08) 9306 6303.
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