Port Latta Landfill
The Port Latta landfill is where most of Circular Head’s general waste ends up.
This is the waste from your green bin, as well as rubbish taken to the White Hills Waste Transfer Station.
Landfill is the part of the system where waste is buried.
How it works
Council operates the Port Latta landfill to manage waste from across the municipality.
The site is not open to the general public.
Instead:
- Your household waste is collected and taken there by Council
- Waste dropped at the White Hills Transfer Station is also transported there
Some approved commercial and industrial waste is accepted under strict conditions.
What’s changing
The Port Latta landfill is nearing capacity and Council is planning for the site to close in the future.
Once closed, waste from Circular Head will be transferred to another regional landfill facility.
The decision was made following a review of long-term costs, environmental risks and future regulatory requirements.
Why this matters
Landfill is the most expensive part of the waste system - and costs are increasing.
One of the biggest factors is the State landfill levy.
- In 2022, the levy started at $20 per tonne
- It has increased to over $45 per tonne
- From 1 July 2026, it will rise again to around $67–$70 per tonne
Every tonne of waste sent to landfill attracts this cost.
When the Port Latta landfill closes, transport costs will also increase - adding further pressure to the system.
What this means for you
The less we send to landfill, the more we can manage future costs.
Simple actions make a difference:
- Using the right bin
- Recycling correctly
- Reducing waste where possible
These small changes help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill - which helps control long-term costs for the community.
Part of the bigger picture
Planning for the future of waste is a key part of the Circular Head Waste Partnership.
This is about:
- Being clear about the challenges
- Planning ahead for changes
- Working together on practical solutions
👉 Find out more about the Waste Partnership
Business and industry waste
Approved commercial and industrial waste can be disposed of at Port Latta under controlled conditions.
Some waste types require approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) before Council approval is granted.
This includes:
- Asbestos
- Fire debris
- Contaminated soil
- Other controlled wastes
For further information, contact Engineering Services on (03) 6452 4840.
Apply for entry to Port Latta Landfill site
Why reducing landfill matters
Landfill isn’t just a disposal point - it’s also the most costly and least sustainable part of the system.
The more we can:
- recycle properly
- reuse materials
- avoid unnecessary waste
the less we rely on landfill the better the outcome for both cost and the environment.
Need more information?
For landfill enquiries or approvals, contact Council on (03) 6452 4800.