Cleanaway New Chum - Solid Waste Services
Solid waste services
About New Chum Landfill
The New Chum Landfill and Resource Recovery Facility has helped create modern South-East Queensland cities and towns that meet their communities’ needs for 25 years.
The landfill supports this urban renewal by managing up to 200,000 tonnes of building and construction waste a year as old buildings and infrastructure make way for the new.
The final 12 months of operation will begin in the first half of 2025, followed by world-class rehabilitation of the site.
Final operations
New Chum accepts only inert waste that is less prone to decomposition and, therefore, odour common to organic waste.
About half of the waste received onsite is reused and recycled, ensuring valuable materials are repurposed wherever possible.
As part of the Ipswich community, we support a range of local organisations and ensure residents are aware of operational developments.
Closure and rehabilitation
The filling of the last cell of the facility is a critical step in creating the final shape of the land and enabling successful environmental rehabilitation.
Cleanaway's commitment to rehabilitation extends 30 years beyond closure, employing innovative capping techniques, revegetation and monitoring.
See our Operational Update for more information on the closure and rehabilitation process.
Operational update
The New Chum Landfill will receive new waste in the first half of 2025 and will remain open for about 12 months to fill the final approved cell, before closing permanently. Use of the final cell, called 3B, has been approved by Ipswich City Council and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation following a rigorous process.
Once reopened, the site will operate between 6am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. The reopening is not expected to create environmental nuisances such as odour, noise or dust.
The site accepts only inert construction and demolition waste, which is less prone to decomposition and odour common to organic waste.
Cleanaway’s New Chum site is nearing the end of its operational life as a landfill. Cell 3B has an estimated lifespan of approximately 12 months, contingent on external factors such as waste supply and weather conditions.
It is important to fill cell 3B to ensure the site is properly contoured and able to be securely capped once complete. Cell 3B will be filled with inert waste, which is the most environmentally and economically sound approach to ensure a timely and compliant completion to the site.
Rehabilitation of parts of the site has already commenced started, with all cells except 3B having been filled. About 15 per cent of the landfill site has already been final capped in line with environmental best practice. The remainder of the site is being rehabilitated, with cell 3B to follow soon after completion.
Cleanaway is partnering with Griffith University in developing an innovative native plant based phytocapping to revitalise ecosystems on our capped cells.
A research project that began in 2019 has used a process called phytocapping, which uses a combination of soil and native trees, shrubs and grasses to absorb rainfall and minimise the amount of water that filters through to compacted waste.
Traditional landfill capping involves ‘hard infrastructure’ solutions like geosynthetic clay liners. Phytocapping has better environmental outcomes while delivering the same engineering performance.
Cleanaway and Griffith University have transformed two hectares of the New Chum site into a lush natural ecosystem that also doubles as an effective and efficient way to cap and complete landfill cells.
What was once a bare, covered landfill cell is now attractive bushland that is home to a thriving range of native plants and animals, with insects, nesting birds and desert tree frogs. The return of these species indicates a significant improvement in the ecological health of the site following landfilling activities.
Griffith University students regularly visit the site to learn about sustainable landfill phytocapping, witness the rapid growth of vegetation and observe the return of local wildlife. In future, the fully rehabilitated site will provide food for koalas and attract glossy black cockatoos thanks to the planting of food trees for these species.
Cleanaway’s New Chum Landfill uses tools and techniques to meet stringent environmental monitoring standards set by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. We work closely with all levels of government to comply with – and in many cases – surpass requirements.
- Landfill gas management: Cleanaway has installed a comprehensive network of more than 150 wells and pipes to collect and flare landfill gas in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Cleanaway is currently investigating an innovative approach to landfill gas management that could see New Chum’s landfill gas converted into electricity.
- Air quality monitoring: Cleanaway employs onsite and local area monitors for continuous air quality surveillance in and around New Chum. For more information see the Useful Links section below.
- Dust suppression: Cleanaway monitors and utilises water carts and irrigation for dust suppression.
- Fire management: Cleanaway has water cannon-equipped trucks to efficiently address any fire hazards that may occur.
- Leachate management: Cleanaway employs a two-pronged approach to leachate management. The primary approach is the disposal of leachate to the Cleanaway Yatala Liquid Waste Treatment Plant. The second is an onsite treatment system that utilises new treatment methodologies to treat the leachate to a trade wastewater specification, so that it can be sent to the Bundamba Advanced Water Treatment Plant for final treatment.
Cleanaway is responsible for monitoring and environmental safety of the New Chum site for 30 years, during which time the site will stabilise.
At the same time, the company will work with Ipswich City Council and the local community to assess future land-use options, in line with regulatory requirements that consider the landfill’s location, surrounding land uses, and evolving community needs.
Once this process is complete, ownership of the site will revert to Ipswich City Council. The site may then become public parkland. Many parks and sporting facilities in Ipswich are former landfill sites, including:
- Limestone Park at Eastern Heights;
- Cribb Park in North Ipswich;
- Tony Merrill Park in Leichhardt; and
- Jack Barkley Park in North Booval.
What we do
Cleanaway’s New Chum Landfill accepts only inert construction and demolition waste, which is less prone to decomposition and odour common organic waste.
IN
- Industrial, construction and demolition waste including broken bricks, concrete, non-recyclable building materials, tiles and rubble.
- Contaminated soils in line with the site's Environmental Authority
OUT
- Materials containing asbestos.
- Chemically treated wood.
- Putrescible waste such as household garbage, food scraps and other biodegradable material.
- General household waste collected from residential areas.
- Hazardous wastes other than specific contaminated soils.
- Liquid wastes including untreated industrial effluents or waste water/sewage treatment sludges.
- E-waste including electronic appliances and computer equipement.
- Tyres or rubber products.
All waste transported to the landfill will be assessed before acceptance to ensure it meets environmental and regulatory guidelines.
Community Benefit Fund
Cleanaway’s New Chum Landfill Community Benefit Fund (CBF) is an annual grants program that supports community programs across Ipswich. The fund will provide another $50,000 for community wellbeing projects in 2025, covering welfare programs, sports participation, youth support and connectivity.
Over the past two years the fund has distributed more than $100,000 among 16 organisations. Recipients are selected by residents and Cleanaway as part of the site’s community reference group.
New Chum Landfill Community Benefit Fund – 2024 celebration event
Our previous grant recipients
All grant recipients are assessed against a range of criteria and selected on the merits of their project and benefit to the local community.
Winners of New Chum Landfill Community Benefit Fund 2024
Seven (7) community groups from across the Ipswich area have been awarded $50,000 of grants in Cleanaway’s Round 3 – New Chum Landfill Community Benefit Fund.
Our grants are funding community wellbeing projects, enabling welfare programs, sports participation, youth support and community connectivity.
Congratulations to our 2024 winners:
Community group: Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir, Booval QLD
Project: Cambrian Centre Sustainability and Accessibility Upgrade
Cleanaway’s grant will cover the costs of installing energy-efficient lighting and an accessibility ramp at the entryway of The Cambrian Centre in Booval, home to the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir.
Funding: $7,000.00
Community group: Ipswich Knights Football Club, Ebbw Vale QLD
Project: Training Equipment Renewal
The grant funding will be used to purchase two new portable training goals for the Ipswich Knights’ junior soccer teams. This will help enhance skills development and foster a passion for soccer among the local youth.
Funding: $4,700.00
Community group: Ipswich Rugby League Referees Association, Ipswich QLD
Project: Communications Equipment
Cleanaway’s grant will be used to purchase a high-quality communications set (pictured above) that will provide better connectivity for on-field referees. This new equipment will enhance the safety of referees by ensuring clear and reliable communication before, during and after games.
Funding: $6,000.00
Community group: Ipswich Musketeers Softball Club, One Mile QLD
Project: Encouraging Inclusion and Diversity in Softball
The community benefit fund grant will help fund the cost of new equipment and up to 15 new membership accreditations, making softball more accessible to women in the community. This support will encourage more women to participate in softball, fostering a more inclusive and active community.
Funding: $9,000.00
Community group: Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway, Swanbank QLD
Project: Boiler Tubes for Ipswich Icon
Cleanaway’s grant will fund the purchase of a high-grade German boiler tube to help restore our iconic steam locomotive (pictured above) back into service. This locomotive has been a cherished symbol of the Ipswich region since 1978, featured in numerous films and TV programs, and continues to be a source of local pride and historical significance.
Funding: $10,000.00
Community group: Redbank Plains State High School, Redbank Plains QLD
Project: PrepL Program – Learners Driving Licence
For the second year running, Cleanaway’s grant will cover the cost of PrepL Permits for 160 Year 12 students at Redbank Plains State High School. This initiative gives students a crucial advantage in finding employment by ensuring they graduate with a driver’s licence. The PrepL program has been instrumental in helping students transition smoothly into post-school life by providing them with essential skills and boosting their confidence.
Funding: $10,000.00
Community group: Skate Synergy Roller Sports Club, Bundamba QLD
Project: Keep the Community Rolling
For the second year running, Cleanaway’s grant will subsidise membership fees to Skate Australia and allow Skate Synergy to continue providing beginner classes. The funding will cover one-hour weekly lessons for six months and loan skates to many underprivileged youths in the area. This initiative will help make skating more accessible and promote physical activity and community engagement among local youth.
Funding: $3,500.00
Cleanaway is proud to once again partner with the local community to help make a sustainable future possible together.In 2023, Cleanaway awarded a total of $50,000 in grants to nine community groups from across the Ipswich area to fund community wellbeing projects including welfare programs, sports participation, youth support and community connectivity.
Congratulations to all of the grant recipients of the New Chum Community Benefit Fund, each of whom are listed below. We look forward to keeping you up to date with their progress throughout the year.
If you have an initiative that will make a difference to your local community or the environment, find out how you can apply in 2024 by contacting Olga Ghiri on 0478 316 237 or email olga.ghiri@cleanaway.com.au
Community group: Ipswich Basketball Association, Booval QLD
Project: U14 Ipswich Representative Boys Team
Grant will cover travel expenses for three (3) boys from the Ipswich Basketball Under 14 team to compete in the QLD State Championships in Townsville in June 2023.
Funding: $3,000.00
Community group: Ipswich Genealogical Society, New Chum QLD
Project: New Air-conditioners for “Brigg House” Cooneana Heritage Centre
Grant will fund the purchase and installation of two air-conditioners at “Brigg House” Cooneana Heritage Centre in New Chum, providing a more comfortable space for members and visitors to research family history and preserve original historic documents.
Funding: $3,800.00
Community group: Murri Taipans Sporting Association, Bundamba QLD
Project: Connecting Mob Through Sport
Grant will subsidise a portion of the cost of uniforms enabling local families to participate in netball and softball.
Funding: $10,000.00
Community group: Queensland Youth and Family Support Services, Riverview QLD
Project: Breakfast Club
The grant will fund a Breakfast Club in Riverview providing struggling families with a safe place for children to eat breakfast and provides sandwiches and fruit to take to school.
Funding: $4,000.00
Community group: Redbank Plains State High School, Redbank Plains QLD
Project: PrepL Program – Learners Driving Licence
Grant will fund the cost of PrepL Permits for 159 Year 12 students so they can graduate with a driver’s licence and have a crucial advantage in gaining employment.
Funding: $4,600.00
Community group: Riverview State School, Riverview QLD
Project: Instrumental Music
The grant will enable Riverview State School to purchase instruments: 36 band folders, 3 Flutes, 4 Clarinets, 2 Trumpets, 1 Euphonium and 3 Valves enabling their musical students to participate in a band and perform at community events.
Funding: $10,000.00
Community group: Skate Synergy Roller Sports Club, Bundamba QLD
Project: Roller Training
The funding covers insurance costs and will subsidise 24 weeks of training for passionate skaters with an accredited coach who will volunteer his time to support this growing sport.
Funding: $5,000.00
Community group: Dinmore Bushrats Soccer Club, Dinmore QLD
Project: Training Equipment Renewal
Grant will enable the club to purchase updated training equipment.
Funding: $4,000.00
Community group: Every Nation, Riverview QLD
Project: Heartbeatz
Funding for a music production and mentoring space for teenagers in Ipswich to find their voice and tell their own story through lyric writing, musical composition, recording and presentation of their own musical project.
Funding: $5,600.00
New Chum Landfill Community Reference Group (CRG)
Cleanaway is a proud member of the community and is committed to working with local residents and organisations. In line with this approach, Cleanaway hosts the New Chum Community Reference Group (CRG).
Cleanaway’s CRG meets six times a year and is an open forum for community members to ask questions and exchange ideas about the facility and the wider waste management industry. The CRG is attended by site managers and residents of the Ipswich region and is open to anyone who is committed to making a positive contribution. The group also plays an important role in deciding beneficiaries of our Community Benefit Fund. Minutes of all CRG meetings are available for download below.
| Date | What | Downloads |
|---|---|---|
| February 12, 2025 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – February 2025 |
| December 5, 2024 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – December 2024 |
| October 17, 2024 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – October 2024 |
| August 7, 2024 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – August 2024 |
| June 12, 2024 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – June 2024 |
| May 1, 2024 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – May 2024 |
| April 3, 2024 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – April 2024 |
| March 6, 2024 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – March 2024 |
| February 7, 2024 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – February 2024 |
| December 6, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – December 2023 |
| November 8, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – November 2023 |
| October 4, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – October 2023 |
| September 6, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – September 2023 |
| August 9, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – August 2023 |
| July 12, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – July 2023 |
| June 7, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – June 2023 |
| May 3, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – May 2023 |
| April 5, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – April 2023 |
| March 8, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – March 2023 |
| February 8, 2023 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – February 2023 |
| December 7, 2022 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – December 2022 |
| October 12, 2022 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – October 2022 |
| September 7, 2022 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG – Sept 2022 |
| August 3, 2022 | Meeting Minutes | New Chum CRG - Aug 2022 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
We’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions from the local community to help you stay informed.
The New Chum Landfill is an engineered landfill that plays an important role in helping manage society’s residual wastes that are unfeasible or uneconomic to recycle. Cleanaway has operated the New Chum Landfill on behalf of the community since 1998, taking up to 200,000 tonnes of waste a year from Ipswich and surrounding regions.
Cleanaway will reopen the New Chum Landfill in the first half of 2025, marking the final phase of operations. To learn more view our Operational Update.
Once reopened, the site will operate between 6am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. To learn more view our Operational Update.
New Chum Landfill will remain open for about 12 months to fill the final approved cell, before closing permanently. Use of the final cell, called 3B, has been approved by Ipswich City Council and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation following a rigorous process. The cell will remain open for about 12 months, depending on the rate of waste supply and weather conditions.
The engineered landfill accepts only inert waste including building and construction materials and contaminated soils, which is less prone to decomposition and odour common with organic waste. Cleanaway requires all waste coming to the New Chum Landfill to undergo assessment before acceptance, ensuring it meets environmental and regulatory guidelines. For more information on what waste will be accepted, view What we do.
The reopening is not expected to create environmental nuisances such as odour, noise or dust. The landfill uses tools and techniques to meet stringent environmental monitoring standards set by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. We work closely with all levels of government to comply with – and in many cases – surpass requirements. To learn more view our Operational Update.
The site will be rehabilitated. Rehabilitation of parts of the site has already commenced started, with all cells except 3B having been filled. To learn more about Cleanaway’s rehabilitation program, view our Operational Update. Cleanaway's commitment to site rehabilitation extends 30 years beyond closure. The company will use innovative capping techniques, revegetation and long-term monitoring to ensure good environmental outcomes. During this time, Cleanaway will work with Ipswich City Council and the local community to assess future land-use options, in line with regulatory requirements that consider the landfill’s location, surrounding land uses and evolving community needs. Once this process is complete, ownership of the site will revert to Ipswich City Council.
Cleanaway is committed to working with local residents and organisations. In line with this approach, Cleanaway will continue to host the New Chum Community Reference Group (CRG) during the final 12 months of operation. Much like the CRG, Cleanaway’s annual grants program, the New Chum Landfill Community Benefit Fund (CBF), will continue to operate during the final phase of operations. These initiatives are part of Cleanaway’s broader commitment to the community that includes delivering waste education programs for schools.
Phone (07) 3894 0500.
Stay up to date
To stay up to date with our operations at New Chum, please check this page regularly. We will also continue to provide updates on our flood remediation efforts to the local community through our social media channels and a community newsletter delivered to households in the area.
You can send us a message or for more information on the New Chum flood remediation, call the hotline on 1800 319 815.
Useful links
Use this information to stay aware of the latest developments around the New Chum Landfill site.
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