We all know that waste compaction is an important part of landfill operations but achieving it requires more than just a compactor. Rob McGahey from Optimal Site Performance (OSP) breaks down how he worked with Cleanaway’s site operations staff to achieve a 16% improvement in waste compaction at the City of Ballarat’s Landfill.
The Ballarat landfill receives approximately 65,000t of mixed waste annually. Historically the site has averaged densities in the low 700kg/m³. To extend the life of the current cell and maximize the life of the landfill, the City of Ballarat set density targets in their new contract with Cleanaway.
Rob began work in the first week of May 2022. During initial site visits, operational practices were assessed to identify changes that would maximize density while limiting interruptions to site operations. The changes identified were small and helped the site get back to basics. Thinner layers of waste, multiple passes on each layer, recovering previously applied day cover, and raising the lift height to 3 meters.
Clear expectations to implement these changes were set and pre-start discussion topics were established to help the site supervisor drive the process of change.
As the changes were implemented the operators reported that they could see the difference they made. The working face did not advance as fast as before, allowing constructed roads to stay longer in place. Fewer engineering works were required so they could spend more time at the face.
By the end of May 2022, they achieved a density of 820kg/m³, a 13% improvement, and the highest to date.
Rob made a special visit to speak to the operators about these results. He identified what they had been doing differently, and how it made a difference. This energized them and they pushed harder because they understood their important role in achieving success.
In June 2022 density numbers were 850kg/m³ with a lot of smiling faces from operational staff to management. It just goes to show – site performance is a team sport.
