Landfill learning for Hampden School students

Published on 27 February 2024

Hampden School students took a look at where the historical landfill in their township will eventually end up this week.

Invited by Fulton Hogan, Waste Management and Waitaki District Council, the Kurinui class were given a tour of the site – including the in-progress earthworks to dig a new landfill cell, and the work that had already taken place to seal away the waste materials at the former Palmerston Landfill site.

Principal Matt Hannagan said: “Hampden School ākonga enjoyed learning about the process of moving unwanted and hazardous waste to a safer and more environmentally friendly location to better benefit their local environment. Localised Curriculum is paramount for our learners and reflecting on issues and improving our area by taking action is something that got everyone buzzing!"

Fulton Hogan’s Marcus Damsteegt said: “Fulton Hogan & Waste Management were very happy to be able to share our site with the community most affected by Project Reclaim – Hampden School. The kids were full of energy for doing the right thing by the environment – reduce, reuse & recycle.”

Each day around 100 truckloads of soil and dirt, of around 30 tonnes each, are removed from the landfill cell site and placed elsewhere on the site.

Project Reclaim is the Waitaki District Council plan to remove and remediate waste from the old Hampden Landfill, as well as fly-tipping sites along Beach Road. It is estimated that there are around 30,000 cubic metres of waste to be removed.

Without removal, coastal erosion would soon see this historical waste washed into the ocean – creating an environmental disaster for the Waitaki coastline and beyond.

ENDS