Once a repository of waste, Shuen Wan Landfill now stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainability. This is no ordinary landfill story. It is a story of transformation and innovative reuse.
Shuen Wan Landfill, located in Tai Po, ceased its operations in 1995 after receiving 15 million tonnes of waste across its 55 hectares. But that was not the end. It was merely the beginning of its second life. The Environmental Protection Department saw potential where others saw only refuse.
After closure, Shuen Wan Landfill underwent extensive restoration. This included a final capping system of geotextile and polyethylene liners. These were overlaid with a geo-composite drainage layer and soil. This promoted vegetation growth and prevented rainwater infiltration.
A crucial part of the restoration was managing the landfill gas. For safety and health reasons, an active gas extraction system was installed. Instead of simply flaring off this gas, the project team saw an opportunity. The extracted landfill gas is piped to the Hong Kong and China Gas Company HKCG plant in Tai Po. The pipeline stretches 1.3 kilometers.
Since 1999, this gas has been used as a heating fuel substitute in HKCG’s production plant. This innovative approach reduces the emission of about 1840 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Imagine turning waste into a valuable energy source. It’s like alchemy but with a green twist.
The benefits don’t stop there. The leachate, wastewater from the landfill, is carefully managed. It is treated on-site before being disposed of in public sewers. Regular monitoring ensures that landfill gas, leachate, and other emissions are within safe levels.
The surface of Shuen Wan Landfill has been landscaped. Surprisingly, rare plant species like the Bamboo Orchid have naturally flourished here. Nature finds a way. Even on a former landfill.
For many years, Shuen Wan Landfill became a 145-bay temporary golf driving range from 1999 until 2022. It was a unique recreational space. More recently, the site has been granted to a developer. The plan is to create a private golf course in exchange for conserving ecologically important land in Sha Lo Tung.
Shuen Wan Landfill exemplifies how a waste disposal site can be transformed into a valuable resource and recreational area. It’s a story of environmental responsibility and a glimpse into a greener future. It is a journey from waste to worth.