SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council will close Dalveen's dump in February or March when its functional life runs out.

Environmental services manager Tim O'Brien said the Dalveen facility had limited space remaining and had room for just one more disposal trench, which would be excavated after the current trench was full and covered.

"This will mean the landfill site closes in February or March next year, depending on any increases or decreases in the amount and type of waste disposed of at the facility over the next few months," he said.

"After the closure, council will ensure the landfill is capped and closed in accordance with the State Department of Environment and Heritage Protection requirements.

"The closest facility for the Dalveen district residents to use will be Thulimbah Transfer Station and we estimate this would be only an extra 10km for residents to travel depending on their location in the Dalveen area."

Mr O'Brien said the decision to close waste facility was purely because the landfill was approaching its capacity and the decision was in accordance with the council's Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2013- 2023.

"The aim of the plan is to reduce waste and promote recycling in all SDRC communities," he said.

"Council knew the Dalveen site had a limited life and in reviewing all waste transfer stations has recommended a site for a modern supervised waste transfer station in the Northern Granite Belt area be found.

"The Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan contains an action plan and council will construct new stations that will provide upgraded waste disposal facilities and more opportunities for recycling of valuable raw materials."

Mr O'Brien said the key Dalveen residents now used at the landfill would not open the Thulimbah facility. The council would have to run a swap program for keys closer to when the dump was shutting down.