Lloydminster’s landfill has enough space to last more than half a century, but a new master plan shows the city will need to make changes to how waste is managed and paid for in the years ahead.
Administration presented Phase 2 of the city’s Integrated Waste Management Master Plan to council, outlining the current state of the landfill, future upgrades and long-term financial pressures.
“The landfill has 56 years of remaining useful life,” administration said. “This landfill will serve Lloydminster with a secure disposal option for many decades to come.”
That estimate is actually higher than previous projections, driven by updated data and planned changes to how the landfill will expand.
But while space is not an immediate concern, cost is.
Administration said the true cost of disposing waste is now about $164 per tonne, when long-term environmental responsibilities are included.
“Thirty-five per cent of this cost is accounting for long-term liability,” administration said. “This is the funds for closure and post-closure care.”
By comparison, current in-town rates sit at $95.50 per tonne, creating a gap the city will need to address.
“The city needs to actively adjust the rates with a goal of full cost recovery,” administration said.
Councillor Jason Whiting also raised questions about how the city funds services long-term, including whether tools such as a tourism or hotel levy could help offset costs.
Administration said any shift to that kind of funding model would significantly change how services are structured.
“That partnership would look a lot different,” administration said, noting current funding is tied directly to city services and branding.
Millions in upgrades ahead
The plan outlines roughly $30 million in upgrades over the next 20 years to keep the landfill operating safely and in line with regulations.
Those upgrades include a new entrance, a scale house, improved traffic flow and expanded waste cells.
Administration said demand on the landfill is also expected to grow.
“In 2023, the landfill served a total of 41,825 customers,” administration said. “By 2030, we’re expecting traffic volumes to increase to about 48,000 vehicles per year.”
That increase is driving changes to how the site is designed, including separating residential users from commercial haulers to improve safety.
More than half of waste could be diverted
One of the most significant findings in the report is how much material currently going into the landfill could be kept out.
“We found that 52 to 70 per cent of the materials in those waste streams can be diverted,” administration said.
That includes recyclable materials such as paper and plastic, as well as organic waste.
Administration said improving recycling and diversion programs will be key to extending the life of the landfill and controlling costs.
“Airspace is at a premium,” administration said. “We need to focus on landfilling materials that truly doesn’t have any other disposal option.”
Residents want more recycling options
The plan also includes feedback from residents and businesses.
Administration said most people are generally satisfied with current waste services, but want improvements in recycling and education.
“Fifty per cent of respondents said that they go out of their way to recycle, and 44 per cent would recycle if it’s convenient,” administration said.
Barriers included lack of space, lack of awareness and inconvenience.
Only a small number of respondents said cost was a major factor.
What comes next
The master plan will return to council for approval at a future meeting, along with borrowing bylaws tied to upcoming landfill projects.
Administration said the plan will guide how the city manages waste for decades, including future decisions on infrastructure, programs and costs.
For now, the message is clear.
The landfill has time.
But the system around it is about to change.
