The Use of Selected Waste Products for the Reclamation of Existing Msw Landfill Sites

WARREN H. CHESNER Chesner Engineering, P.C. This paper presents an overview of a recently pat­ ented technology which defines the process of using selected waste products to assist in reclaiming existing municipal solid waste landfill sites [1]. The process in­ volves the pressurized injection of these materials into the void spaces of existing landfill sites to both manage the waste product and assist in reclaiming the site. Depending on the waste type, the process could result in structural stabilization, accelerated biodegradation and/or enhanced gas recovery at the site. Waste-types that can be used in the process include fine-grained wastes and sludges. Fine-grained wastes included ash products from solid waste, wood, coal or sludge com­ bustion facilities. Dredged spoils consisting of fine­ grained sands, silts and clays can also be used in the process. Municipal wastewater treatment plant sludge used in the process offers the benefit of accelerated biodegradation and enhanced gas recovery due to the introduction of moisture, nutrients, and seed microor­ ganisms (methanogenic bacteria) into the landfill site. The characteristics of landfills which make them suit­ able for the aforementioned process and methods of injection are reviewed along with the physical, biologi­ cal and chemical effects on the landfill site. The paper focuses on the use of municipal wastewater treatment plant sludge and its effect on reclaiming the landfill site.