Murray River Council has secured more than $386,000 in funding under Round 5 of the NSW Environment Protection Authority's (EPA) Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvement Program.
Two projects have been funded under the program, including the necessary rehabilitation works at the closed Koraleigh Landfill site and new recycling equipment for Moama Waste Management Facility.
The funding program helps councils upgrade outdated waste sites, improve environmental outcomes and bring operations into line with current standards.
Mayor, Cr John Harvie said the funding will deliver major benefits for the community and environment.
"This support allows us to improve recycling in Moama and responsibly rehabilitate the Koraleigh landfill following its closure," Cr Harvie said.
"It means more waste can be recovered and reused, while also reducing risks to the environment and ensuring our facilities meet modern standards."
Project details include:
New recycling equipment for Moama Waste Management Facility (Grant amount: $64,915)
The Moama facility will receive a new cardboard baler and polystyrene compactor, both of which will be installed in the Return and Earn shed.
The baler will press clean cardboard into 400kg bales for transport and reprocessing.
The compactor will recycle bulky polystyrene, significantly reducing landfill space use.
These upgrades will increase recycling rates, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and divert more material away from landfill.
Koraleigh landfill rehabilitation design (Grant amount: $21,850) and Koraleigh landfill rehabilitation (Grant amount: $300,000)
The Koraleigh landfill site is now permanently closed but requires full rehabilitation to minimise environmental risk and ensure EPA compliance. A qualified engineer is preparing a detailed rehabilitation design plan that will guide all future works required to rehabilitate the site, including landfill capping.
All projects also require additional funding from council.
Cr Harvie said the upgrades would benefit the entire region.
"This is about protecting our environment for future generations while making sure our waste services are safe, efficient and sustainable," he said.
