Mount Hillern landfill to operate into the 2040s after major expansion

A 2018 decision to expand the site flipped its fate—now, the landfill will serve the region for decades. Residents gain stable fees and better recycling options.

, and Administrator

2025 December 1 . 10:02 PM

1 min read

The picture is taken on the street of a city. In the center of the picture there are shops, tents,... — The picture is taken on the street of a city. In the center of the picture there are shops, tents, umbrellas, auto rickshaw, motor bike, people and many other objects. In the background there are buildings. In the foreground there are waste papers on the road.

Mount Hillern landfill to operate into the 2040s after major expansion

The Mount Hillern landfill in Heidekreis is set to remain in operation far beyond its original closure todays date. Plans to shut the site by 2019 were scrapped after an expansion project began in 2018. The extended facility is now expected to serve the region until the 2040s.

The decision to expand the landfill was made in 2018 under the Mount Hillern Expansion Project. A new section of 350,000 cubic metres opened in 2021, with full completion now scheduled for 2027. The Lower Saxony Ministry of the Environment required that the site retain capacity for weakly or slightly contaminated mineral waste, ensuring its continued use.

To accommodate longer operations, the landfill’s structure is being adapted. Meanwhile, waste fees will stay the same until at least December 31, 2025, with a review planned for 2026. A new operating and social building for staff is also in the works, with construction due to start in two years.

Next year, the private delivery area will be expanded. This includes more container dumping sites and an improved section for green waste. Alongside these changes, Heidekreis Waste Management continues to promote reuse through its Give-Away and Swap Market, where residents can exchange well-preserved furniture and goods online.

The landfill’s extended lifespan means it will handle waste for another two decades. The 2027 completion date marks the end of major construction, though further adjustments may follow. For now, residents benefit from stable fees and expanded recycling options.