Sanitary Landfills

The Process of Landfilling involves refuse or waste, heavy equipments, cover material and a most important ingredient strict and efficient supervision of what happens on the site. All waste is taken to the facility by trucks authorized to do so. They are directed as to which area of the facility is used for particular types of waste, e.g. hazardous waste is processed at the hazardous waste plant on the site. Other types of waste are taken directly to the cell for cover on a daily basis. 

When the waste or refuse is brought on site, it is first checked to ascertain its composition and weight. The truck then takes it to the cell where it is discharged and spread by the D6 or D8 better known as the bull – dozer and compacted by the Compactor. At the end of the day (i.e. the period when the gates are closed) all waste is covered using equipments known as the Excavator and or the Front End Loader. This process will continue until that particular cell is full, at which time another area will be excavated for that purpose.

By contrast Sanitary landfills are designed to protect the environment, by containing and isolating waste. Landfills are fenced facilities, with specific hours of operation. Building landfills require extensive planning, engineering, monitoring and supervision. This entire process begins before the first shovel-full of dirt is removed, and continues long after the facility is closed.

Landfills include multiple safeguards to contain wastes and isolate them from surrounding water and soil. Drainage systems are a common feature, preventing rainwater and other liquids from collecting inside of the landfill, and leach into the surroundings.

Another feature concern is landfill gas. Landfill gas is caused mainly by the breaking down of garbage - the organic part of Solid waste. This includes, food scraps and tree trimmings. Householders are advised to compost the garbage rather than sending it to the landfill. This action will not only prevent the production of landfill gas and odor, but will reduce the breeding of rodents and insect pests.

Each day, landfill operators will handle truckloads of trash. To ensure proper management, the waste is unloaded at one designated area - the active cell, (landfills are developed in cells), or 'working/tipping face'. Walls of dirt known as berms are built around the landfill, to prevent waste from being blown by the wind and shield them from view. Once trash has been deposited, it is spread and crushed by a bulldozer or compactor, and covered at the end of the day by a layer of soil.

When landfills reach their capacity, they are covered/sealed, and grassed. Depending on their location and content they can be used for playgrounds, golf courses and parks. Environmental monitoring will however continue for a number of years.

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Designed & Created by Melissa Joshua, CWSA