Closed Levin Landfill
The Levin Landfill operated for over 50 years on the Hokio Beach Road site until it was officially closed by Council in May 2023, following public consultation and intensive engagement with community and iwi groups.
One of the main reasons for closing the landfill was its effect on the neighbouring environment, now and in the future.
Current situation
There are several different sections to the landfill, reflecting improvements in landfill practice as new technology and regulation have developed over recent decades.
The ‘Old Dump’ portion, which closed in 2004, is an unlined landfill located on sand dunes. This portion is made up of two areas separated by an access road. Waste in Area 1 is approximately 20-30m deep and Area 2 is a shallow site with waste up to 5m deep. Area 2 has been capped with different material on three occasions, to stop gas escaping and to prevent water seeping into the landfill and creating leachate.
The whole of Area 2 is covered in established grasses and other vegetation. Area 1 has soil cover but no formal capping and is covered in dense growth of pine trees.
The ‘New Landfill’ portion of the site was built in the early 2000s and has an impermeable bottom barrier, a leachate collection network, a gas reticulation network, and a flare to burn off methane and hydrogen sulphide.
Closed Landfill Management Plan
In September 2025 Council confirmed the landfill would remain closed and endorsed in principle a plan setting out how it will be managed over the next 30 years.
Council officers are considering expert advice alongside iwi and community perspectives to recommend specific actions later this year. These could include leachate treatment options, comprehensive engineered capping of the Old Dump landfill and purchasing adjoining land to expand the existing wetland and provide further protection to the environment. Officers will report back to Council in December 2025.
Rubbish disposal and recycling