Future Landfill Research Articles

English

Landfilling is the most frequent waste disposal method worldwide. It is recognised as being an important option both now and in the near future, especially in low- and middle-income countries, since it is the easiest and the cheapest technology available. Owing to financial constraints, landfills usually lack of environmental abatement measures, such as leachate collection systems and lining materials. As a result, a lot of contamination is inflicted upon the environment. Importantly, even with proper abatement measures in landfills, there is no guarantee that contamination will be prevented. Another major concern is the appropriate location for landfills to ensure the impact towards the environment are minimised. This paper highlights the challenge to find suitable place for future landfill in Malaysia. There is a tendency of landfill to be built on unsuitable area such as near to residential area or on agricultural land where most of the land are grading as high prospect value to be developed as business or industrial area that are more profitable. Key words: Municipal solid waste, disposal methods, landfilling, developing countries, Malaysia.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Waste Management—Assessment of Quantification Methods

ABSTRACT Of the many sources of urban greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, solid waste is the only one for which management decisions are undertaken primarily by municipal governments themselves and is hence often the largest component of cities’ corporate inventories. It is essential that decision-makers select an appropriate quantification methodology and have an appreciation of methodological strengths and shortcomings. This work compares four different waste emissions quantification methods, including Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1996 guidelines, IPCC 2006 guidelines, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Waste Reduction Model (WARM), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities- Partners for Climate Protection (FCM-PCP) quantification tool. Waste disposal data for the greater Toronto area (GTA) in 2005 are used for all methodologies; treatment options (including landfill, incineration, compost, and anaerobic digestion) are examined where available in methodologies. Landfill was shown to be the greatest source of GHG emissions, contributing more than three-quarters of total emissions associated with waste management. Results from the different landfill gas (LFG) quantification approaches ranged from an emissions source of 557 kt carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) (FCM-PCP) to a carbon sink of −53 kt CO2e (EPA WARM). Similar values were obtained between IPCC approaches. The IPCC 2006 method was found to be more appropriate for inventorying applications because it uses a waste-in-place (WIP) approach, rather than a methane commitment (MC) approach, despite perceived onerous data requirements for WIP. MC approaches were found to be useful from a planning standpoint; however, uncertainty associated with their projections of future parameter values limits their applicability for GHG inventorying. MC and WIP methods provided similar results in this case study; however, this is case specific because of similarity in assumptions of present and future landfill parameters and quantities of annual waste deposited in recent years being relatively consistent. IMPLICATIONS This paper provides insight for municipalities, consultants, and others involved in GHG quantification from waste management with regard to emissions from various treatment options and variation due to methodological selection. By examining the differences in emissions from the quantification tools and guidelines examined in this research, these professionals will gain insight on where shortcomings and methodological differences exist and how these may be addressed. It also provides an illustration of how theoretical yield gas calculations can be similar in magnitude to those calculated using a WIP approach.

Future landfill emissions and the effect of final cover installation – A case study

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are potential long-term sources of emissions. Hence, they need to be managed after closure until they do not pose a threat to humans or the environment. The case study on the Breitenau MSW landfill was performed to evaluate future emission levels for this site and to illustrate the effect of final cover installation with respect to long-term environmental risks. The methodology was based on a comprehensive assessment of the state of the landfill and included analysis of monitoring data, investigations of landfilled waste, and an evaluation of containment systems. A model to estimate future emission levels was established and site-specific predictions of leachate emissions were presented based on scenario analysis. The results are used to evaluate the future pollution potential of the landfill and to compare different aftercare concepts in view of long-term emissions. As some leachable substances became available for water flow during cover construction due to a change in the water flow pattern of the waste, a substantial increase in leachate concentrations could be observed at the site (e.g. concentrations of chloride increased from 200 to 800 mg/l and of ammonia–nitrogen from 140 to about 500 mg/l). A period of intensive flushing before the final cover installation could have reduced the amount of leachable substances within the landfill body and rapidly decreased the leachate concentrations to 11 mg Cl/l and 79 mg NH 4–N/l within 50 years. Contrarily, the minimization of water infiltration is associated with leachate concentrations in a high range for centuries (above 400 mg Cl/l and 200 mg NH 4–N/l) with low concomitant annual emission loads (below 12 kg/year of Cl or 9 kg/year of NH 4–N, respectively). However, an expected gradual decrease of barrier efficiency over time would be associated with higher emission loads of 50 kg of chloride and 30 kg of ammonia–nitrogen at the maximum, but a faster decrease of leachate concentration levels.

The new Waste Law: Challenging opportunity for future landfill operation in Indonesia

The Waste Law No. 18/2008 Article 22 and 44 require the local governments to run environmentally sound landfill. Due to the widespread poor quality of waste management in Indonesia, this study aimed to identify the current situation by evaluating three selected landfills based on the ideal conditions of landfill practices, which are used to appraise the capability of local governments to adapt to the law. The results indicated that the local governments have problems of insufficient budget, inadequate equipment, uncollected waste and unplanned future landfill locations. All of the selected landfills were partially controlled landfills with open dumping practices predominating. In such inferior conditions the implementation of sanitary landfill is not necessarily appropriate. The controlled landfill is a more appropriate solution as it offers lower investment and operational costs, makes the selection of a new landfill site unnecessary and can operate with a minimum standard of infrastructure and equipment. The sustainability of future landfill capacity can be maintained by utilizing the old landfill as a profit-oriented landfill by implementing a landfill gas management or a clean development mechanism project. A collection fee system using the pay-as-you-throw principle could increase the waste income thereby financing municipal solid waste management.

Management of open dumps in Asia challenges and opportunities

The open dump approach, a primitive version of municipal solid waste disposal remains thepredominant option in most of the Asian countries. Problems of shortage of cover, lack ofleachate collection and treatment, inadequate compaction of wastes, poor site design andragpickers working and setting the refuse on fire to recover valuable inorganic items arecommon at such dumps. It is essential that an appropriate status quo analysis is carried outand an achievable, acceptable and affordable strategy and action plan are developed forimplementation in a phased manner. This paper presents the steps that may be initiated tosteadily move from open dumps towards controlled dumps and later to sustainable landfillsbased on the lessons learned from the on going project on "Sustainable Solid Waste LandfillManagement in Asia" under the Asian Regional Research Programme on EnvironmentalTechnology funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency andCoordinated by Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand.The first step in upgrading open dumps to sanitary landfills involves reducing nuisances suchas odors, dust, vermin, and birds. The principle of landfill mining may be used as the driver toconvert this challenging task into an opportunity. The possible outcome would includerecovery of space for future landfills, soil fraction for growing non edible crops as well aslandfill cover material and the plastics for making refuse derived fuel. A natural remediationtechnique such as phytoremediation using higher vascular plants, though slow, is also worthconsidering.

Chemical characterization of landfill leachates – 400 parameters and compounds

A large number of hazardous compounds can be expected to be present in landfill leachates, many of which have not yet been identified. Thus this study screened samples from 12 Swedish municipal landfill sites for 400 parameters and compounds. More than 90 organic and metal organic compounds and 50 inorganic elements were detected, some of which seem to have not been detected before. Compounds detected include halogenated aliphatic compounds, benzene and alkylated benzenes, phenol and alkylated phenols, ethoxylates, polycyclic aromatic compounds, phthalic esters, chlorinated benzenes, chlorinated phenols, PCB, chlorinated dioxins and chlorinated furans, bromated flame-retardants, pesticides, organic tin, methyl mercury and heavy metals. The presence of this large number of hazardous compounds in landfill leachates should have a significant impact on future landfill risk assessments and the development of leachate treatment methods. We propose that future research should pay more attention to the metal-organic and organic compounds detected in this study. We also suggest using leachate sediments as a matrix for detecting hydrophobic compounds, and reflecting on the degradation phase when evaluating results from monitoring studies. The extensive compilation of compounds in this paper can be used to select compounds to search for in future studies.

The use of volcanic soil as mineral landfill liner - III. Heavy metals retention capacity

The volcanic soil of Southern Chile was tested for its heavy metal retention capacity. The maximum uptakes for CrO4(2-) (CrVI), Cu(2+), Zn(2+) and Pb(2+) were determined to be 2.74, 5.32, 5.86 and 7.44 mg g(-1), respectively. At a slightly alkaline pH value (7.5), it seems that a precipitation-adsorption process was responsible for the Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) uptake onto volcanic soil. All the determined values are of the same order of magnitude as natural zeolites heavy metals adsorption capacities. In addition, the heavy metals diffusion model through a 1 m volcanic soil mineral liner shows breakthrough times of 21.6, 10.2 and 8.9 years, for Pb(2+), Zn(2+) and Cu(2+), respectively, confirming the trend obtained in the adsorption isotherms. The natural volcanic soil of Southern Chile is an interesting material for possible use as landfill mineral basal sealing. It has an appropriate sealing potential (average Kf value of 5.85 x 10(-9) m s(-1)) and a heavy metals retention capacity comparable with natural zeolites. About two-thirds of the agricultural land in Chile (approximately 0.4 million km2) is derived from volcanic ash, suggesting an important soil volume for future landfill projects, that could be obtained in sufficient quantities from urban building activities.

The stability of dolomite in landfill leachate-collection systems

This study uses several approaches to examine whether calcium-containing aggregate such as dolostone is a suitable drainage material for landfill leachate-collection systems. The thermodynamic stability of carbonate drainage materials has been assessed using published leachate data from landfills in the United Kingdom and leachate sampled from four large landfill sites of variable age in southern Ontario. Electron-microbeam techniques have been used to check for dissolution in dolomitic stone exhumed from the drainage layer of the Keele Valley Landfill leachate-collection system and from experiments that simulated landfill conditions. The mineralogy of cover soils applied daily to the landfill has been compared to the drainage stone and detrital material occluding pore space in the leachate-collection system to evaluate their relative contributions to clogging. The data suggest that dissolution of dolomitic drainage stone is not significant and contributes little to the clogging of landfill leachate-collection systems. However, crystallization of secondary calcite occurs about the dolomitic stones and sizeable quantities of inorganic fines, including dolomite, were present within some samples of "clog material" exhumed from the Keele Valley collection system. Most of the dolomitic fines probably were generated during construction of the collection system; such creation of fines ought to be minimized in future landfill developments.Key words: leachate-collection system, landfills, clogging, mineralogy, leachate chemistry.

Assessment of Two Automated Electrical Resistivity Data Acquisition Systems for Landfill Location Surveys: Two Case Studies

Two types of automatic DC resistivity data acquisition systems, the Aarhus PA-CEP system and the ABEM Lund Imaging System, are assessed in connection with surveys for characterization of future landfill sites. In the first case, the extent of a natural clay layer in connection to an enlarge­ ment area of the Filborna landfill was mapped, and in the second case the soil cover at a proposed new landfill at Flaskebo was examined. At Filborna both resistivity systems and seismic refraction were used, whereas at Flaskebo the Lund system was used together with a VLF survey. At both locations 5 km of resistivity profiling were achieved. The resistivity datasets were interpreted with a smoothest constrained inversion. At Filborna a layer of thick clay till was identified in the southwest part of the investigation area, and thin clay tills were found in other parts. It was clear from the PACEP resistivity models that the underlying sedimentary rock possesses an undulating surface, which has an important implication regarding the soil cover barrier properties. At Flaskebo the resistivity survey successfully delineated the bedrock surface and effectively mapped the soil cover. Both re­ sistivity systems worked well acquiring data suitable for data inversion. The seismic refraction model and resistivity models corresponded reasonably well. The pulled array continuous electrical profiling (PA-CEP) is fast, but has limitations on the traversability of the site conditions. When fourteen different electrode spacings are used the Lund Imaging System is four to five times slower than the PA-CEP system in an open terrain. However, using fourteen different electrode spacings the Lund system has a much higher vertical resolution. Furthermore, as experienced in Flaskebo, the Lund system works well in very rough terrain.

Consensus Oriented Public Relations As A Solution To The Landfill Conflict

The siting of landfills usually meets with the disapproval of residents living in the immediate proximity of potential landfill sites and frequently arouses public protest. Also in Austria, the public's readiness to safeguard their interests has been increasing, thus such conflicts can no longer be avoided. This fact raises the question among future landfill operators, as to how to react in such cases, and how a thus sensitized public can be dealt with. Seen from the viewpoint of communication, landfill operators must direct more attention to public relations. Within a research project at the University of Vienna, we have developed a public relations model which is intended to support a consensus between the landfill operators and the residents immediately affected by the operators' activities. The results prove that the so called "consensus-oriented public relations" approach is principally right. That is, those people who, due to our survey in the communities, could envisage a landfill site being installed, broadly agreed with the landfill operator on the levels of understanding provided by the model.

Consensus Oriented Public Relations as a Solution To the Landfill Conflict

The siting of landfills usually meets with the disapproval of residents living in the immediate proximity of potential landfill sites and frequently arouses public protest. Also in Austria, the public's readiness to safeguard their interests has been increasing, thus such conflicts can no longer be avoided. This fact raises the question among future landfill operators, as to how to react in such cases, and how a thus sensitized public can be dealt with. Seen from the viewpoint of communication, landfill operators must direct more attention to public relations. Within a research project at the University of Vienna, we have developed a public relations model which is intended to support a consensus between the landfill operators and the residents immediately affected by the operators' activities. The results prove that the so called "consensus-oriented public relations" approach is principally right. That is, those people who, due to our survey in the communities, could envisage a landfill site being installed, broadly agreed with the landfill operator on the levels of understanding provided by the model.

Optimal Scheduling of Consecutive Landfill Operations with Recycling

A mathematical mode is presented to determine the optimal operation of consecutive landfills while incorporating recycling programs. The model is capable of handling currently available landfills as well as numerous proposed future landfills. Model sensitivity analysis is performed by varying the capacities of present and future landfills, in addition to conventional objective function sensitivity analysis and right‐hand‐side sensitivity. In addition, the model incorporates the possible utilization of recycling programs. The model is driven by overall long‐term costs of operation. The optimization model indicates landfill use characteristics throughout the planning horizon, including the times at which landfills are closed and opened and the amount of waste that is diverted to recycling. Model solutions also indicates that recycling options may be implemented even though recycling costs exceed the cost of the current disposal option, in order to extend the lifespan of less expensive landfills and to defer...

Waste Management in Copenhagen: Principles and Trends

The increase in volumes of waste, and the difficulties of finding suitable locations for landfill sites within the borders of Copenhagen municipality, along with the need for treatment of oil and chemical waste, resulted in the erection in the early 1970s of two large waste-to-energy plants and a large centralized plant for the treatment of oil and chemical waste. Ten years later, however, it became evident that the then structure was not sufficient to face rapidly emerging problems. A number of pollution cases in Denmark which emerged during the early 1980s, proved that oil and chemical waste was being transported illegally to landfills instead of being disposed of in compliance with the obligatory system, thus becoming a threat to groundwater and drinking water supplies in Copenhagen. At the same time, waste-to-energy plants were facing pollution problems such as the emission of dioxin and large quantities of hydrochloric acid, which contribute to acidification and forest death. As a response to the increasing problems in relation to both waste incineration and deposits, new regulations from the Ministry of the Environment allowed future sanitary landfills to be located only near the coast or in areas documented to be composed of an impermeable layer of clay. New regulation also defined conditions for flue gas cleansing. However, it was clear that pollution problems combined with increases in volumes of waste called for a much firmer administration and a stronger influence on the waste flow. From February 1989 the municipalities have undertaken the obligation to assign all waste producers the means to dispose of their waste. How Copenhagen municipality has solved the problems is discussed.

The effectiveness of composite lining systems in controlling the leakage of leachate from sanitary landfills to groundwater

Leachate, the hazardous liquid that percolated through the refuse layers of a sanitary landfill, if it leaks through the landfill lining system, can become a serious source of groundwater pollution. In the past, leaks have been detected in many landfills lined with flexible membrane liners (FML) whose failure may be attributed to flaws such as imperfect seaming, rips, and tears of the membrane, or from chemical attack that dissolves the membrane. Recent studies have shown that composite lining systems which include either a clayey subbase or a layer of geotextile in addition to the FML, can substantially reduce the leakage of leachate. Therefore in this study, four different lining systems are proposed and evaluated to determine their effectiveness in controlling leachate flow under various degree of flaws (referred to as leakage fraction LF) in the FML. The Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP) computer model of the Environmental Protection Agency of USA, currently the most widely accepted model for predicting the performance of leachate collection systems in that country, is used to evaluate the following lining systems: (1) a single FML or liner, (2) a single FML with a clayey composite, (3) a single FML with a geotextile called Claymax, and (4) a double FML. Based on the climatic conditions and the present lining construction cost of Alaska, the study shows that a single FML or liner is the most economical but it is also the least effective in controlling leachate flow. Design (3), a single FML with a geotextile, costs about 50 percent more but it reduces the leakage of leachate by several orders. Design (2) is also effective but the cost incurred in constructing a 3 feet thick clayey subbase is prohibitive and thus to effectively and economically minimize the hazards of potential groundwater contamination by leachate, Design (3) is recommended as the composite lining system for future landfill sites.

Waste Treatment Regulation To Exact Heavy Penalty on Industry

When Congress passed the 1984 amendments to the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA), one thing it wanted to do was prevent future landfill problems. It did this by specifying that many industrial wastes would have to be treated to make them safe before they were discarded. The Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of issuing regulations to ensure industry compliance with that directive. Last week, EPA proposed what will be the most expensive hazardous waste treatment regulation under the RCRA amendments. This rule will affect 24 types of industrial waste streams, to be increased to 41 waste streams by an additional proposal in about one month. The rule requires that all the wastes be treated and stipulates exactly what the treatments will be. Companies have no choice in the matter. EPA estimates that the annual cost to comply with this rule will be between $650 million and $700 million. Sylvia K. Lowrance, director ...

Design and Operation of Future Landfills in Hong Kong

Nine sites were evaluated as potential sanitary landfills for the co-disposal of household and industrial waste from Hong Kong. Many of the problems associated with landfill sites in Hong Kong are related to its climate and topography. Methods of limiting infiltration of rainfall and groundwater are discussed, together with alternative means of leachate collection, treatment and disposal, including on-site treatment and bulk tankering to sea disposal. The study was carried out to obtain cost data for use by the Hong Kong Government in the preparation of their waste disposal plan. The results of the study showed wide variations in estimated annualized costs, reflecting the range of site-specific development work required.

Design and operation of future landfills in Hong Kong

Nine sites were evaluated as potential sanitary landfills for the co-disposal of household and industrial waste from Hong Kong. Many of the problems associated with landfill sites in Hong Kong are related to its climate and topography. Methods of limiting infiltration of rainfall and groundwater are discussed, together with alternative means of leachate collection, treatment and disposal, including on-site treatment and bulk tankering to sea disposal. The study was carried out to obtain cost data for use by the Hong Kong Government in the preparation of their waste disposal plan. The results of the study showed wide variations in estimated annualized costs, reflecting the range of site-specific development work required.