Sanitary Landfill Method of Solid Waste Disposal

IN T R O D U C T IO N Reduced to its simplest terms, solid waste collection and disposal consists of the acceptance of the solid waste from processes of human life, the transportation of such material to disposal sites, and the process­ ing and disposal of the material so that nuisances are not created. The entire process must be carried out in such a manner that the public health of the community is protected, that the extent and character of the service is in accord with the desires of the people, and that the opera­ tion is conducted effectively and economically. Surveys have shown that many communities, large and small, do not follow sanitary solid waste practices. There are many reasons why these communities have not taken steps to protect the health and welfare of their citizens from the hazards associated with the inadequate and insanitary collection and disposal of solid wastes. Predominate among the basic causes, however, is the belief that adequate service is too ex­ pensive, and a lack of information on how to establish and operate a satisfactory system. A practical solid waste control program is within the means of any community. In rapidly growing communities a Master Plan for the col­ lection and disposal of solid waste, based on a thorough engineering analysis, is vital. The alternative is almost insurmountable future prob­ lems. Even the best planned solid waste collection and disposal system will be one of the costliest services provided by a municipality. Few services so directly affect the individual citizen and taxpayer. A poorly planned system is certain to place a continuous, undue burden on financial resources and create ill-will in the community.