Landfill Diversion

Suhas Dixit,
Pyrocrat Systems LLP,
Navi Mumbai
Landfill Diversion
The process of diverting waste from landfills is known as landfill diversion.
Measuring success of Landfill Diversion
The success of landfill diversion can be measured with respect to the reduction
in quantity of waste that is dumped into landfill as compared to the previous
year. If the quantity of waste dumped into landfill remains the same or is
reduced, the campaign of landfill diversion is said to be successful.
Types of Landfill
Open dumping
Waste is disposed in an open land with no restrictions or regulation.This is the
worst option as it is harmful for environment and open dumps are prohibited in
many countries.
Types of Landfill (Cont)
Sanitary Landfill
Waste is disposed of in thin layers. Each layer is covered and compacted with
soil to prevent foul odors and wind blown litter.This method is very effective
in terms of public hygiene.
Types of Landfill (Cont)
Requirements of Sanitary Landfill
The landfill must have absolute leachate security. The bottom of the
landfill must be lined to prevent water contamination.
Engineering preparations and planning must be carried out to ensure the
success of the landfill.
To ensure success and sustainability, permanent supervision must be
present in all stages of the landfill.
The placement and compacting of waste must be done to prevent pest
and vermin infestations.
Types of Landfill (Cont)
Secure Landfill
It is used to deal with hazardous waste. A secure landfill requires much
more stringent regulation than municipal waste.
Types of Landfill (Cont)
Deep Well Injection
In Deep-well injection, the liquid waste is pumped into porous limestone or
sandstone through a steel casing. High pressure is applied to permanently store
the waste in the pores of the rocks.
Types of Landfill Diversion
Waste reduction
This can be done by reducing the use of plastic bags, excess packaging, etc.
Types of Landfill Diversion (Contd)
Recycling
This is the process of creating new and usable products from
waste. Materials like paper, plastic, aluminium cans can be
recycled.
Types of Landfill Diversion (Contd)
Incineration
In this process, waste is burnt. the process is not helpful for a sustainable
environment.
Types of Landfill Diversion (Contd)
Biological Treatment
Food waste, wood chunks etc. can be put in a compost where it can be treated
along with biological enzymes.
Types of Landfill Diversion (Contd)
Return waste to supplier of original materials
Products like soft drink bottles made of glass can be returned to the company
through the shopkeeper.
Types of Landfill Diversion (Contd)
Reuse waste in the production process
A closed loop recycling system can be implemented in manufacturing units to
reduce the amount of waste. This can also add to the efficiency and
profitability of the process.
Types of Landfill Diversion (Contd)
Selling waste to a third party
The waste produced by a manufacturing unit can sometimes be a great resource
for another one.
Types of Landfill Diversion (Contd)
Waste to Energy
Waste can be converted to useful form of energy like fuel, heat or electricity.
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