Landfilling is the most common waste disposal method in Alberta. Despite efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle, disposal facilities are still needed. In the 1970s, Alberta began regionalizing its landfill system to replace numerous small rural ‘dumps’ with larger regional landfills and a network of transfer stations.
This shift enabled more cost-effective and engineered landfill sites. Today, modern landfills are designed to manage waste safely and often include facilities for handling organics, hazardous waste, tires, large appliances, and other recyclables.
The Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Ltd. (NRSWMA) was incorporated as a non-profit organization on October 3, 1996, by a group of municipal partners to establish, construct, and operate a regional landfill. One mile off Highway 1 on Highway 36 North, in southern Alberta, the Newell Regional Landfill (NRL) was created as a Class II engineered facility. This designation allows NRSWMA to manage a non-hazardous waste landfill, serving residents and businesses throughout the County of Newell.
This shift enabled more cost-effective and engineered landfill sites. Today, modern landfills are designed to manage waste safely and often include facilities for handling organics, hazardous waste, tires, large appliances, and other recyclables.
An elected official from each municipality within the region is appointed to the board each year during their respective organizational meetings. The board of directors is responsible for governance and the hiring of management to operate the Class II facility.
NRSWMA must meet all regulatory requirements for landfill operations set out in the Standards for Landfills in Alberta, in addition to the approval license it operates under issued by Alberta and Environment and Protected Areas. The standards outline the requirements for development, operation, monitoring, closure and post-closure of all landfills in the province. To comply with these standards, NRSWMA establishes fees for the disposal and diversion of waste at NRL commonly referred to as tipping fees. The fees collected are allocated towards the day-to-day operations of the facility, for capital upgrades, and for a closure/post-closure reserve.
As responsible stewards of NRL, the NRSWMA board is committed to reviewing its fee structure to ensure
the facility remains self-sustainable. Tipping fees will continue to evolve over time to maintain the
integrity of operations.
NRSWMA must meet all regulatory requirements for landfill operations set out in the Standards for Landfills in Alberta, in addition to the approval license it operates under issued by Alberta and Environment and Protected Areas.
The standards outline the requirements for development, operation, monitoring, closure and post-closure of all landfills in the province. To comply with these standards, NRSWMA establishes fees for the disposal and diversion of waste at NRL commonly referred to as tipping fees. The fees collected are allocated towards the day-to-day operations of the facility, for capital upgrades, and for a closure/post-closure reserve.
As responsible stewards of NRL, the NRSWMA board is committed to reviewing its fee structure to ensure the facility remains self-sustainable. Tipping fees will continue to evolve over time to maintain the integrity of operations.
The “Learn the Landfill” section on our homepage has been created to educate facility users, helping them understand their responsibilities when it comes to sorting loads and paying fees. We hope the resources clarify landfill standards and highlight the importance of sorting waste before arriving at the facility.
As economies change and waste becomes recognized as a valuable resource, our operational procedures will be updated to align with Alberta’s circular economy objectives.
This shift in thinking—focused on disposal, diversion, and reuse—will become a shared expectation for households and businesses alike. Start now by intentionally separating waste and diverting materials for reuse before visiting NRL. Remember, our facility is your facility, and we look forward to serving you.
To lead the transformation of waste management solutions in the Brooks Newell Region. We are committed to advancing circularity, maximizing diversion, and delivering exceptional services to all customers. By unifying recycling, composting, and solid waste systems, we are forging a sustainable future and setting new standards for environmental stewardship.
Our mission is to responsibly receive and manage waste materials using sustainable practices. We are dedicated to educating the public on responsible waste habits and working with local governments, businesses, and residents to maximize diversion and enhance regional recycling, composting, and solid waste systems. Through service excellence and community engagement, we strive to protect the environment and create a cleaner future for the Brooks Newell Region.
We uphold the highest standards of professionalism in all our operations, ensuring that our team is knowledgeable, accountable, and responsive. By maintaining integrity and competence in our work, we build trust and effectively advance sustainable waste management practices in the Brooks Newell Region.
We prioritize open and honest communication, actively engaging with residents, businesses, and local governments to ensure a shared understanding of our goals and initiatives.
We strive for operational excellence by continuously improving our processes and utilizing resources wisely.
We promote a friendly and approachable atmosphere. Our commitment to friendliness reflects our dedication to service excellence.
We believe in empowering others through education, promoting responsible waste practices to inspire sustainable behaviors and a culture of stewardship in the Brooks Newell Region.
