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The successful demonstration of aerobic landfilling: the potential for a more sustainable solid waste management approach?

Read, A. D., Hudgins, M., Harper , S., Phillips, P. S. and Morris, J. R. (2001) The successful demonstration of aerobic landfilling: the potential for a more sustainable solid waste management approach? Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 32(2), pp. 115-146. 0921-3449.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills worldwide are experiencing the consequences of conventional landfilling techniques, whereby anaerobic conditions are created within the landfilled waste. Under anaerobic conditions within a landfill site slow stabilisation of the waste mass occurs, producing methane, (an explosive ‘green house’ gas) and leachate (which can pollute groundwater) over long periods of time. As a potential solution, it was demonstrated that the aerobic degradation of MSW within a landfill can significantly increase the rate of waste decomposition and settlement, decrease the methane production and leachate leaving the system, and potentially increase the operational life of the site. Readily integrated into the existing landfill infrastructure, this approach can safely and cost-effectively convert a MSW landfill from anaerobic to aerobic degradation processes, thereby effectively composting much of the organic portions (one of the potentially polluting elements in a conventional landfill site) of the waste. This paper summarises the successful results of two separate aerobic landfill projects located in Georgia (USA) and discusses the potential, economic and environmental impacts to worldwide solid waste management practices.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Aerobic processing, environmental performance and monitoring, in-situ composting, landfill, sustainable or perpetual sites
Subjects: T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD783 Municipal refuse. Solid wastes > TD793.9 Waste minimisation
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD783 Municipal refuse. Solid wastes > TD791 Refuse and refuse disposal > TD795.7 Landfills
Creators: Read, Adam D, Hudgins, Mark, Harper , Sid, Phillips, Paul S and Morris, John Rhys
Publisher: Elsevier
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Research into Sustainable Wastes Management
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Science and Technology (2010-2016)
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Research Centres > Environment Research Group
Date: June 2001
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 115-146
Journal or Publication Title: Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume: 32
Number: 2
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-3449(01)00053-2
ISSN: 0921-3449
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6232

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