The document discusses how councils deal with growing waste by turning it into energy through biogas. Specifically, it details a bioreactor landfill facility that captures methane produced from decomposing waste to generate electricity. Currently producing close to 3.3 megawatts of renewable energy, the facility aims to expand to 10 megawatts to power homes and businesses in the region while offsetting greenhouse gas emissions and diverting waste from landfills.

1. How do councils
deal with the
challenge of growing
domestic waste?
Turning waste into
energy from biogas

2. THE CHALLENGE
Reducing landfill waste continues to be a major
challenge for Brisbane and other municipalities within
south-east Queensland. Diverting domestic waste
from landfill through sustainable waste management
practices and resource recovery solutions are critical
in meeting this challenge.

3. A joint venture between Veolia and
JJ Richards, Ti Tree Bioenergy is a
bioreactor landfill. At Ti Tree, the
methane created from decomposing
putrescible waste is used as fuel for
specially created turbines, which
create electricity.
In a true example of recovery of
resources, the facility utilises a 36
million cubic metre void; a remnant
from a non-operational open-cut
coal operation located near Ipswich
in Queensland.
THE SOLUTION

4. HOW WE DO IT
The degrading waste mass produces landfill gas, which is
mostly methane. This gas is captured through a network
of horizontal and vertical gas lines and fed to the power
station. Specially designed engines utilise the gas as a fuel
source, generating green electricity used to power homes and
businesses in the region.
At present, the site has the capacity to produce close to 3.3
megawatt (MW) of electricity, however this is planned to
expand over the next ten years to approximately 10 MW.

5. Our customised solutions include:
WASTE
MANAGEMENT
RESOURCE
RECOVERY
LANDFILL WASTE TO
ENERGY CAPTURE

6. • Renewable electricity supply to approximately 2,500 households
• 28,000 MWh of electricity produced to date
• Offsetting of nearly 3 Mt of greenhouse gas over the next ten years
• Minimised greenhouse emissions from renewable energy that
qualifies for credits under the Federal Greenhouse programme
• Long term containment and stabilisation of odorous waste streams
• Screened products suitable for use in mine site
rehabilitation programmes and/or commercial horticultural,
landscaping application
THE OUTCOME

7. To find out how Veolia’s world of plug-ins
can help your business visit:
veolia.com.au/integratedbydesign