Assessment and influence of specific parameters on a high density, aerobic landfill

Abstract

A full-scale aerobic landfill has been constructed and oper ated in Gordexola (Biscay, Spam), a region with an average rainfall of 14001 1 m-2 yr-1. In order to establish good operating practice, and to obtain some design data, a special area has been created on the landfill and has been closely observed. In this region of heavy rainfall and mild temperatures, an aero bic decomposition cycle lasts for an average of 29 days. It requires the preparation of refuse layers with an initial thick ness of 0.6 m, six passes with a compacting machine, and two additional passes one week after the initial disposal. In order to assess the impact of rainfall on the production of leachate, a full water balance has been carried out. As a result, only 11 % of collected rainfall appears as leachate, whereas other anaerobic landfills in the area show percentages close to 50%. Applying the most disfavorable parameters obtained during the study for the design of a new landfill, the operational sur face area required is equal to 300 times the daily disposal in Mg d-1, expressed in square meters.