Practical gas emission control during landfilling.

Abstract

Whilst the major emphasis on landfill gas control has previously related to postcompletion of landfill cells or phases rather than that during active waste placement, increasing need for odour control has changed that pattern of ad hoc capping and gas collection systems. This project (Barry et al. 2003, 2004a and 2004b) has provided quantitative information from UK landfills on the scale of methane (CH4) emissions from the commencement of waste deposition. The paper provides timescales for the establishment of methanogenesis and average surface flux rates from commencement of waste placement. The highest flux rates were recorded on waste side slopes and near the landfill edges; emissions from these zones are more conducive to control and it is likely that the most cost-effective emission control systems should be based on horizontal collection systems, reflecting the greater lateral permeability of wastes. Such controls are compatible with on-going disposal operations and can be readily integrated with permanent gas collection systems for energy recovery.