What Happens to Excess Trash after a Landfill is Full?

When a landfill reaches its capacity, the excess trash doesn't just vanish. It often requires a second landfill site. However, these sites are typically farther away and involve more transportation costs, which can be significant. Landfills can be filled to capacity in as little as a few years, depending on the rate of waste generation and the site's design capacity. The expansion of a landfill or the selection of another site is a crucial step in ensuring that waste continues to be managed in a sustainable manner.

A Historical Playground

When I was younger, there was an old dumping site on my street that transformed into a playground. We boys were often spotted around this area during the fall, as the local fire department filled it with water, making it an impromptu hockey rink. This spot, once a dumping ground, became a symbol of local ingenuity and community spirit. Funny how trash can turn into a temporary or permanent recreational area over time.

Utilizing Landfill Gas for Electricity

Interestingly, modern landfills can even serve as renewable energy providers. The landfill gas, which is primarily composed of methane, is captured and used to generate electricity. This makes landfills not just waste disposal sites but also contributors to the energy mix, reducing their overall environmental impact. The process involves drilling wells, installing pipelines, and collecting the gas, which is then purified and sent to a power plant. This transformation aligns with the increasing demand for green energy solutions.

Old Dumps and New Life

Once a landfill site has reached its capacity and undergone the necessary procedures for closure, the land can sometimes be repurposed. In the U.S., after a final closure, which includes a proper cover, drainage systems, and gas collection systems, the site is often transformed. The area is compacted to eliminate air pockets, seeded with grass or soil, and monitored for several years. Given the potential contamination, it can take many years before the land is considered safe for public use.

Landfill Closure Process and Site Restoration

In the U.S., the closure process of a landfill is a rigorous and lengthy procedure. It includes the installation of multiple systems to ensure that the site remains safe and sustainable. The final closure process includes a proper cover, a drainage system to manage leachate (liquid waste), a gas collection and utilization system to manage landfill gas, groundwater monitoring and remediation systems, a leachate collection and disposal system, a peripheral gas migration monitoring system, and a runoff monitoring system. These systems are designed to maintain the integrity of the site even after the landfill is closed.

The final closure process can take several years to complete. During this period, the site must be regularly inspected to ensure that the systems are functioning correctly. The drainage system may need periodic maintenance, and the gas collection and utilization systems may need adjustments to maximize efficiency.

Conclusion

As landfill sites near capacity, the process of finding new sites and implementing the final closure process is crucial. The transition of these sites from dumping ground to repurposed land is a testament to the constant evolution of waste management practices. By continually improving our methods, we can strive for a more sustainable future.