A paste tailings disposal system (1) includes a paste spreader (7) for forming a tailings dam (4) and/or depositing paste tailings to a tailings storage facility (8). The paste spreader includes proximal (27) and distal (28) ends, and a bridge (25) 5 having a tail section (22) adjacent the proximal end (27), an intermediate section, and a head section (24) adjacent the distal end (27). A pipe (26) supported by and extending along the bridge (25) is configured for receiving and conveying the paste tailings to the tailings storage facility (8). A plurality of nozzles (11) extend from the pipe at discrete locations along the pipe (26) and are configured to transfer the0 paste tailings from the pipe (26) to the tailings storage facility (8) at said discrete locations along the pipe (26).