Effect of recirculated leachate volume on MSW degradation

Abstract

Landfilling represents the most economical method for the disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). After depletion of the limited volume of air available in void spaces of a waste bed, decomposition in a landfill takes place under anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic digestion requires moisture and a lack of water is generally responsible for retarding degradation of MSW in conventional landfills. Furthermore, the moisture that may be present is seldom uniformly distributed. Bioreac tor landfills are being researched as a means to provide a rapid and predictable stabilisation of waste and landfill gas produc tion. This is achieved primarily by control and management of the liquid flow within the landfill.