Statement of originality

Certified that this is the bonafide project work and report CCB524 of Mr Nophus
Khumo Moatswi
ID No, 200204809
Summarized Title: Assessment and evaluation of the operations and maintenance
activities of Gaborone Landfill report required for the successful completion of
bachelors of degree in Civil Engineering.
Date of completion………………………………….
Signature……………………………………………

Disclaimer
Although a great care was taken in preparation of this research project to provide
reliable information, but the author (researcher) shall not liable for any information
taken from this report as quotation and it should worth noting that this should not be
used as a text book or any source of information.

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Acknowledgement
Great thanks are given to Mr P M Oagile for he had assisted me on the preparation of
my research project and as my project supervisor. I therefore wish to thank the
Gaborone landfill personnel for the reliable information the provided to me based on
landfill management.
I would also like thank the department of Waste management and pollution control
and National Environmental Lab for the information they provided to me based on the
strategic ways they use to deal with wastes.
Lastly I thank my family for they have continued to support during difficult times
academically and socially.
Ke leboga

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Contents
1 Introduction...............................................................................................................5
1.1 Background..........................................................................................................5
1.2 Statement of the problem.....................................................................................6
1.3 Aim.......................................................................................................................6
1.4 Objectives.............................................................................................................6
1.5 Purpose of the study.............................................................................................7
1.6 Beneficiaries.........................................................................................................7
2 Literature review......................................................................................................9
2.1 Guidelines for the development of a site specific plan........................................9
2.2 Operations of the landfill....................................................................................11
2.2.1 Control of Working Face.............................................................................11
2.2.2 Equipment Movement.................................................................................11
2.3 Spreading Waste on a Slope...............................................................................11
2.3.1 Waste Compaction.......................................................................................12
2.3.2 Cell Completion..........................................................................................12
2.4 Cover Soil...........................................................................................................12
2.4.1 Placement of Cover.....................................................................................12
2.4.2 Daily Cover.................................................................................................13
2.4.3 Intermediate Cover......................................................................................13
2.4.4 Final Cover..................................................................................................13
2.4.5 Difficult Waste.............................................................................................13
2.4.6 Bulky Waste.................................................................................................13
2.4.7 Tyres............................................................................................................14
2.4.8 Large Metal Wastes.....................................................................................14
2.4.9 Low Density Wastes....................................................................................14
2.4.10 Powdery Wastes.........................................................................................15
2.4.11 Medical Solid Wastes................................................................................15
2.5 Cleanup of Completed Area...............................................................................15
2.5.1 Prior to Final Cover.....................................................................................15
2.5.2 Final Cover Placement................................................................................15
2.5.3 Planting and Landscaping...........................................................................15
2.6 Maintenance of Completed Areas......................................................................16
2.6.1 Landscaping................................................................................................16
2.6.2 Inspection of Completed Areas...................................................................16
2.6.3 Cracks and Depressions..............................................................................16
2.7 Traffic Control and Unloading of Waste............................................................16
2.7.1 Responsibility for Traffic Direction............................................................16
2.7.2 Proper Traffic Control.................................................................................16
2.8 On-Site Roads....................................................................................................19
2.8.1 Road Construction.......................................................................................19
2.8.2 Road Maintenance.......................................................................................19
2.9 Inclement Weather.............................................................................................20
2.9.1 Preparation for Bad Weather......................................................................20
3 Methodology............................................................................................................22

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 3.1 Review of literature............................................................................................22
3.2 Internet research ................................................................................................22
3.3 Visits to different authorities..............................................................................23
3.4 Observation and Interviews ...............................................................................23
4 Results and Analysis................................................................................................24
4.1 News and Articles...............................................................................................24
4.2 Department of waste management.....................................................................26
4.3 Gaborone Landfill operations.............................................................................26
4.3.1 Setup............................................................................................................26
4.3.2 Classification...............................................................................................27
4.3.3 Types of waste.............................................................................................29
4.4 Facilities and Resources for landfill operations.................................................31
4.4.1 Staff.............................................................................................................31
4.4.2 Plant and Equipment...................................................................................32
4.5 Observations ......................................................................................................34
4.5.1 All weather site roads..................................................................................34
4.5.2 Waste acceptance procedure........................................................................34
4.5.3 Control of vehicle access.............................................................................34
4.5.4 Site security.................................................................................................35
4.5.5 Operating plan.............................................................................................35
4.5.6 Landfill compactor and Compaction of waste............................................35
4.5.7 Daily cover .................................................................................................35
4.5.8 Immediate covering of putrescibles ...........................................................36
4.5.9 Three days stockpile of cover......................................................................36
4.5.10 Nuisance control .......................................................................................36
4.5.11 Wind sock .................................................................................................36
4.5.12 Draining water away from waste..............................................................36
4.5.13 Containment of contaminated runoff .......................................................36
4.5.14 Leachate containment ...............................................................................37
4.5.15 Storm water diversion measures ..............................................................37
4.5.16 Landfill gas control ..................................................................................37
4.5.17 Analysis of observation.............................................................................37
5 Problems encountered.............................................................................................38
6 Conclusion................................................................................................................39
7 Recommendations...................................................................................................40
8 References................................................................................................................41

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1 Introduction

The long term waste management aim for Botswana is to achieve a state of
sustainable waste management within the next few years by following the following
objectives; protection of human health, protection of the environment and protection
of the natural resources. This can only be achieved by practising the internationally
accepted Waste Management Hierarchy shown in the figure below

1. Waste reduction 3. Treatment

2. Reuse/recycling
Does hazardous 4. Safe landfill
Can quantity of waste
Can waste be reused or nature of waste Disposal
production be need to be
recycled?
minimised? reduced

Landfilling is the least preferred option for the management of unwanted material.
Every opportunity must be taken to avoid waste production and remove recyclable
material from the waste stream before it arrives at the landfill. This is particularly so
for wastes generated in significant volumes at a single site, such as construction and
demolition waste from large projects. Material presented at a landfill should be sorted
either by the waste generator or at some intermediate facility such as a transfer station
to remove and recover recyclable material prior to deposition in the landfill.
Economies of scale may develop where a particular material can be stockpiled at a
landfill over a period of time in sufficient quantities to make material recovery
feasible. Segregated inert wastes may be monofilled for recovery in future when
require, for example tyres.

This report will focus on the part 4 of the hierarchy which is what actually happens at
the landfill, in his case Gaborone landfill. What are the operations done at the landfill?
Are they are being done according to the guidelines for the safe landfill disposal.

1.1 Background
Gaborone landfill was constructed in 1993; it has been operating for more than ten
years now. It had a design life of ten years but it is still under operation. Its location

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has also been a subject of some controversy over the years. Some residents
complained about the fire outbreaks, which were mostly caused by scavengers.
Gaborone City Council (GCC) was on the other hand has been criticised for failure to
recycle waste and shoddy landfill management. Residents of Village have complained
about the stench that emanates from the area. Business people too in the area have
also complained in the past about flies that come from the landfill.

Environmentalists have complained in the past that it was built too close to the dam. It
was even worrying that the boreholes that were dug around the landfill to detect
leachate have since collapsed. According to the guidelines, the operation of the
landfill should involve compaction and covering of waste on a daily basis. The
guidelines also state that landfills should be located at least 500 meters from
habitation and should not be located on the windward side of the town. Landfills
should not be situated within 500 meters of surface water used for domestic or human
consumption.

1.2 Statement of the problem

They say the best-designed sanitary landfill is of little value unless it is constructed
and operated properly. Without proper design based activities of the landfills problems
are likely to arise which might have bad impact on the landfill environment. Gaborone
landfill has over the years been marred by controversy depicted by the media and the
nearby communities. It is important to liaise with the community in the assessment
process, as this enables early identification of the issues that are important to the local
community and environment, and as a result, has a significant influence on operation
of the landfill.

1.3 Aim
The project is meant to assess and to evaluate the operation and maintenance of
Gaborone landfill through data collection on all activities carried at the landfill and
checking if they are in accordance with the initial design, operation and maintenance
specification.

1.4 Objectives
The following objectives have been identified in order to help to achieve the aim of
the project

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 • To do literature review landfill operations
• To collect data on all operations at the landfill
• To asses and evaluate the operations of the landfill by comparing the
Gaborone operations to the standard operation.
• To examine any relationship between age of the landfill and its maintenance
needs.

1.5 Purpose of the study

The operations and maintenance activities forms the major day to day activities of
land filling and determine how safely the waste is handled and disposed. This project
is to establish how the operations could be a source of the problems arising from the
landfill. Although the Gaborone landfill is way past its design life its operations
should be in away that they don’t pose any danger to the environment. Same
sustainability waste management approach should be kept since it is the basic aim of
of the country long term waste management.

This study reviews operation and maintenance of Gaborone landfill through data
collection on all activities carried at the landfill and checking if they are in accordance
with the initial design, operation and maintenance specification.

1.6 Beneficiaries
The following people are going to benefit from the research
• Researchers
The results will benefit the students and researchers who might find the results
useful for their respective uses.
• Designers
Landfill designers can use the information for future designs.
• Landfill management (City Council)
The management will be able to identify their mistakes and make
improvements or continue their good work if everything is according to
specification.

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• The researcher (I) will also benefit from the research as he will gain
knowledge on the various operations of the landfill and environmental
engineering aspects.

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2 Literature review

A simple well organised-operating plan is the key to the successful operation of the
landfill. An organised operating plan merely satisfying regulatory compliance is of
little use. a good operating plan should provide guidance for day-day and year to year
operations so that landfill volume is efficiently used, a safe working environment is
created, and environmental nuisances are not created. No two landfills are alike and
the following are just guidelines to a site plan.

2.1 Guidelines for the development of a site specific plan.

1. The highest compaction is obtained from base and up of the landfill.

2. End dumping from the side of the landfill should be avoided.
3. All-weather access roads should be built inside and outside of the landfill
4. The active area should be as small as possible.
5. A maximum of three horizontal to one vertical waste slopes should be maintained
on all internal waste faces.
6. The surface water should be diverted away from the landfill. Temporary surfaces
water drainage swales should be constructed whenever possible.
7. waste contact liquid must be allowed to run off from the landfill
8. Access to the landfill should be controlled by a fence and locking gate.
9. Proper care should be exercised during the burning waste (if allowed by the
regulatory agency).
10. Clear and visible on-site directional signs should be posted for proper traffic
routing. In municipal landfills burnable wood, white goods (refrigerators, etc),
recyclable material (paper and grass etc) should be deposited separately so that the
can be salvaged
11. Landfill operators should know about the fire control measures and emergency
measures to be taken in case of accident leading to physical injury.
12. The operators should take necessary safety precautions when operating the
landfill.

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13. The operators and other landfill personal should be conscientious about bacterial
and chemical contamination while storing and eating food within the landfill
office.
14. The operators should know about monitoring and maintenance requirements for
the landfill.
15. The operators should have a basic knowledge about the design and construction
related issues of the landfill.

Figure 1: typical landfill operation and terminology

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2.2 Operations of the landfill
The waste cell is the basic building block of the sanitary landfill. It is composed of
several layers of waste compacted on a slope by heavy equipment and enclosed on all
sides by soil. Basic instructions for constructing waste cells with the materials
accepted are outlined below:

2.2.1 Control of Working Face

The working face is the portion of the uncompleted cell on which additional waste is
spread and compacted. For effective operation, the working face should be kept as
narrow as possible. By keeping the face narrow, equipment movement and cover
material requirements are minimized. The optimal working face width varies
depending on the number of vehicles bringing wastes to the site and the equipment
available for spreading and compacting. It should be wide enough to prevent a
backlog of trucks; however, the width should not be so wide as to be impractical to
operate or to expose an undue amount of refuse to the wind. The face width should be
reduced by compacting and covering portions of the face as traffic drops off at the end
of the day. For safety reasons, the width of the face should not be reduced to less than
12m.

2.2.2 Equipment Movement

Solid waste should be dumped at the toe of the working face by the collection trucks
and pushed up the slope. For reasons of safety a minimum of 2.5 to 3m separation
between the trucks and the crawler tractor should be kept. The unloading area should
always be kept level and clear of waste materials.

2.3 Spreading Waste on a Slope

Waste is pushed into layers, compacted, and adequately covered. During succeeding
days, the incoming waste is dumped at the toe of the preceding day’s waste and
pushed up the face, compacted, and covered at the end of each working day. A
machine, such as a track-type tractor or landfill compactor, spreads and compacts the
material. Soil for daily cover must be hauled in from borrow sites using a wheel
tractor-scraper or articulated truck

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2.3.1 Waste Compaction
A high degree of compaction extends the fill life, reduces cover material and long-
term land requirements, reduces litter problems, and results in other beneficial effects.
Good compaction is achieved by operating the tractor up and down the working face
between 3 and 5 times on layers of waste not exceeding 500mm until no further
compaction occurs. The top deck of the cell must also be compacted by running the
landfill compactor across the flat top.

Figure 2 heavy equipment compacting at the landfill.

2.3.2 Cell Completion

To finish the cell, soil should be placed to cover over exposed waste at the close of
each day’s operation. This is the DWMPC requirement until the department permits a
relaxation. The amount of soil required for daily cover may vary because of soil type.
The material to be used for cover may be soil, builder’s rubble, ash or other approved
cover. However, the thickness of compacted soil should not be less than 150mm on
and 300mm on the top deck after compaction. When the cell is completed, no waste
should be visible. When constructing a cell in an open area, the side slopes require
soil cover also. These side slopes should be maintained at a 3:1 slope to reduce cover
requirements.

2.4 Cover Soil

2.4.1 Placement of Cover
Soil for daily, intermediate, and final cover should be placed in the following manner.
When using a crawler tractor, soil loads should be pushed up the slope and feathered
out as evenly as possible. Tracks of the equipment should not be permitted to spin as

12
the vehicle goes up the compacted slope. The action will tear up the waste and it may
be necessary to compact again.

2.4.2 Daily Cover

All waste must be covered with at least 150mm of soil on the slopes and 300mm on
the top deck by the end of each day. In some cases, more than 150mm of soil may be
required so that after compaction, the layer will be 150mm. For example, loose soils
such as sand and silt may drop into open spaces in the waste. For this reason, proper
compaction is essential to minimize the amount of soil required for cover.

2.4.3 Intermediate Cover

The top and side surfaces of a completed cell that is not to be covered within 180 days
by another cell may be exposed to weather and truck traffic. These surfaces should be
covered with a layer of at least 300mm of compacted soil. This intermediate cover
should be thick enough to prevent erosion of the cover by wind, water, and traffic. If
wastes become exposed, water can enter, and odors and gases may escape from the
cells.

2.4.4 Final Cover

When filling has reached the final planned grade, a final cover of at least 300mm of
compacted soil should be placed. The engineering staff will advise the depth of final
cover to use for all completed sections of fill. This cover is necessary to allow light
traffic and minor settlement to occur without exposing any waste. The final cover will
also help keep the rain from seeping into the waste.

2.4.5 Difficult Waste

Certain wastes acceptable at a landfill on the basis of their overall properties have
some characteristics which require special handling which is not part of the site
operating procedure. The following are basic methods to be used:

2.4.6 Bulky Waste

Crushable Items – such as furniture and appliances
Such items should be dumped at the toe of the working face if traffic permits. Use the
crawler tractor to crush the item on solid ground, and then push it into the toe of the
fill. Fill in any holes with regular waste.

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Demolition Debris
Spread out bulkier pieces of concrete, lumber, and other debris evenly at the toe of the
working face. Place regular wastes on top of the demolition wastes. Trucks delivering
asphalt grindings and broken concrete suitable for road surfacing should be directed to
a separate dumping area where this material can be stored for later use. The Field
Operations Program Manager should designate locations for storage of these waste
materials.

Long Items
Long, awkward items, such as trees, stumps, logs, and rolls of paper and plastic
should be dumped at the toe of the face, placed parallel to the working face, and
covered with regular waste. The crawler tractor should be driven over logs and stumps
carefully to prevent overturning.

2.4.7 Tyres
Shredded or bageled rubber tyres should be placed at the toe of the fill, spread out and
covered them with other wastes. Tires are less likely to work their way to the surface
if placed at the bottom of the cell. Do not try to compact unreduced rubber tires.

2.4.8 Large Metal Wastes

Metal wastes, such as pipes, rolls of cable, and wires should be placed directly at its
position of disposal and covered by household or demolition wastes (bridged). This
will prevent unnecessary machine damage and shutdown.

2.4.9 Low Density Wastes

Waste types such as brush, leaves, and yard trimmings, synthetic fibers, loose plastic
film or foam, and rubber and plastic scraps or shavings, require special handling.
These materials present problems because they rebound after being run over by the
crawler tractor. Spread the lightweight material into 1 to 2 foot deep layers, and then
cover it with regular waste, compacting as usual at base of cell. These wastes should
be compacted until the operator can no longer detect that the surface of the waste

14
layer is being depressed more than it is rebounding. The weight of the regular waste
tends to keep the low-density material down.

2.4.10Powdery Wastes
Wastes such as sawdust and other dusts also require special handling. These wastes
are problems because they are stirred up by the equipment and blown by wind. Once
in the air, they may be harmful to personnel if they are inhaled or contact the skin.
Personnel working in powdery areas should wear protective clothing and respirators.
Some powdery wastes may be wetted down with water from a water truck and then
covered immediately with soil or regular refuse. This procedure will help reduce
blowing and dusting of the powdery waste. If water is not available, cover the
powdery wastes with soil or refuse to reduce blowing and dusting of the waste.

2.4.11Medical Solid Wastes

Medical solid wastes should be deposited at the toe of the working face and bridged
across with other solid waste to ensure the sharps in the medical waste stay buried.

2.5 Cleanup of Completed Area

2.5.1 Prior to Final Cover
Prior to placement of final cover material, the completed area should be cleared of all
debris. Any objects protruding through the daily or intermediate cover should be
pulled out and the hole filled. Large cracks or holes in the surface should be filled
with cover material.

2.5.2 Final Cover Placement

Place final cover material on completed areas at the thickness specified by filling
plans.

2.5.3 Planting and Landscaping

Interim ground cover should consist of mulch to control soil erosion. Completed areas
should be landscaped according to landscaping plans provided by Biology staff.

15
2.6 Maintenance of Completed Areas
2.6.1 Landscaping
All grass, shrub, and tree areas should be cultivated and watered as specified. Regular
schedules for cultivation and watering should be determined and maintained.

2.6.2 Inspection of Completed Areas

The Engineering staff should inspect completed areas of the landfill once each month
for signs of cracks and depressions due to settlement.

2.6.3 Cracks and Depressions

Cracks and depressions should be filled with compacted soil as soon as they are
discovered.

2.7 Traffic Control and Unloading of Waste

2.7.1 Responsibility for Traffic Direction

Laborer
The Spotter has the responsibility to inform all customers where they should deliver
their waste materials. This should be specific as to the customer’s type of waste. If
locations for handling various materials vary from time to time, the Spotter should
know where each type of material is to be disposed of in advance.

Equipment Operator
When there is not a Laborer at the site, the equipment operator should show
customers where they should discharge their load of waste.

2.7.2 Proper Traffic Control

Traffic Flow
The traffic must be kept moving. Packer trucks and other trucks that dump
mechanically should be routed to the working face without delay, since waiting costs
both time and money. The driver should back to the toe of the slope before he/she

16
starts to dump and pull straight away slowly from the slope while he/she is dumping.
This is done to provide a rough level so that it can be leveled easily.

Figure 3 showing a dumper truck

Traffic Control
Directional signs and barricades are provided to help control traffic. Be sure the
proper signs and barricades are at the required locations at the beginning of each day.
If signs or barricades require changing, this should be done at the end of each day so
that they will be ready for the next day’s operation.

Separation of Vehicles
Vehicles being unloaded by hand should dump in the public area only. A separate area
should also be provided for Semi End Dump Trailers away from both the Public
Area and the working face due to the danger of overturning.

Load-on-Fire Procedures
Loads-on-fire are wastes that are either on fire or that are smoldering or smoking. All
site personnel should be familiar with procedures for handling such loads. This type
of waste should not be permitted into the landfill. Emergency Procedures should be
available for handling such case.

Handling of Inoperative Vehicles

Broken-down trucks should not be allowed to delay other traffic. If a truck’s
unloading device is inoperative, it should be routed to an area where it can be
unloaded by hand, without delaying other vehicles. The driver must report for any
damage before the operator can use the dozer to pull or otherwise assist a broken-
down truck.

Location for Dumping Waste

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Customers should be directed to the proper location for disposing of specific types of
waste and to unload the waste at the base of the cell and drive their vehicle straight
out when disposal is complete.

Cooperation with Equipment Operators

The spotter directing traffic should work closely with the equipment operators to
minimize the potential for accidents and/or injuries while customers are emptying
their vehicles.

Prevention of Scavenging
Illegal scavenging by customers or employees is should not permitted. Customers
caught scavenging for the first time should be reminded of the regulations and told to
leave the site. The names of repeat offenders should be given to the Disposal Site
Supervisor.

Watch for Unauthorized Materials

The spotter should observe the wastes being dumped to spot unauthorized materials
such as flammable, explosive, or other hazardous materials. If such material is
dumped, the traffic director should notify the equipment operator and the Waste
Inspector so it can be safely removed.

Site User Rules

The labourer should know all site user rules and watch for violations. If site users
disobey a rule, they should be reminded of the rule. If site users refuse to cooperate
with the spotter, he/she should report them to a Disposal Site Supervisor.

Emergency Procedures
Site personnel should be familiar with proper fire and accident procedures and are
expected to know their role in all possible emergency situations. Emergency
Procedures should be learnt and provided.

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2.8 On-Site Roads
2.8.1 Road Construction
All-Weather Roads
Major on-site roads should be constructed such that they can be used under all
weather conditions. When possible, use imported material such as asphalt grindings or
other appropriate construction debris for the road base. Use the road base material
purchased by the City when this type of material is not available. Roads should be
located and constructed according to plans and specifications provided by the
engineering staff.

Dry-Weather Roads
Roads that are to be used during dry weather can be constructed from compacted soil
if other materials are unavailable. These roads should be located and constructed
according to plans and specifications provided by the Engineering staff.

2.8.2 Road Maintenance

Filling of Potholes
Potholes should be filled with suitable materials. The patching material should be
compatible with the road construction material. Fill potholes on a routine basis so that
they are not allowed to remain open for extended periods. Before placing patches in
holes, all loose material should be removed from the hole. New material should then
be placed in the hole and compacted so that it will have the same density as the road.

Filling of Areas Where Settlement Occurs

When all-weather roads are built on fill areas, settlement of the filled area may cause
cracks to appear in a road or cause the slope of a road to change. Cracks should be
filled with material that is compatible with the roadbed. Area of a sloped road, where
the slope has changed drastically, should be built-up with material compatible with
the roadway. The build-up should be made by placing and compacting a layer of
roadway material, then adding another layer. This process should be repeated until the
roadway is built to the desired elevation.

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Maintenance of Dirt Roadways
Roadways that are made in native or filled soil require different maintenance than
paved ones. Ruts usually appear in dirt roads that are heavily traveled. These roads
should be graded and re-compacted as required to re-establish proper road grades.
Roads should also be sprayed with water during dry weather to control dust.

Removal of Materials from Roadways

Dirt, brush, and other debris should not be allowed to remain on any roadbeds. Dirt
left on asphalt roadbeds may cause dust problems during dry weather or mud
problems during wet weather. This material should be cleaned off roadbeds with the
use of a street sweeper.

Maintenance of Drainage Ditches

All drainage ditches should be kept free of obstructions and debris. During the wet
weather season inspections of all drainage ditches and structures should be made at
least once each week after rain events, or more frequently as required. Any debris
should be removed from ditches.

2.9 Inclement Weather

2.9.1 Preparation for Bad Weather

Rain
Wet Weather Conditions
Wet weather areas should be prepared in advance of the earliest anticipated seasonal
rains, normally by august (Botswana rainy season). Available material such as asphalt
grindings and small pieces of demolition rubble may be used for constructing the area.
The wet weather area should be constructed adjacent to an all-weather road. Work on
the wet weather area can be performed at various times when personnel and
equipment are not required for other assignments. The size and location of the wet
weather area will be delineated by the Engineering staff.

All-Weather Roads

20
All-weather roads should be repaired prior to the rainy season.

Drainage Facilities
Drainage structures and ditches should be in good repair and free of debris prior to the
rainy season.

Silt Fencing
Silt fencing or other temporary drainage control devices should be stockpiled for use
in an emergency situation.

Mulch
Exposed dirt areas shall be covered with mulch prior to the rainy season as directed
by the Engineering Staff.

Sedimentation Basins
Sedimentation basins should be in good repair and free of sediment and debris prior to
the rainy season.

Tackifier
Tackifier should be sprayed on any slopes that are too steep to be mulched or any bare
dirt surfaces that are not being used prior to the rainy season.

Wind
Litter Fences
Litter fences should be installed prior to windy weather and relocated as required.

Dust
Use the water truck to spray roads to keep dust down.

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3 Methodology
The method to be used to meet up the objectives is divided into phases some has
already been practiced. Due to nature of the project, some activities were carried out
concurrently although they are in different phases. In actual fact the phases are not in
chronological order so this means that some activities may have to be carried out
before others.

3.1 Review of literature

Various books have been explored of which the above information has been derived.
Due to the to get the original design operation and maintenance specifications not
being found(misplaced) by the GCC Environmental Health Department, different
sources has been used to get the basic up to date guidelines on the operations of the
landfill. Care was taken to correlate the guidelines with the DWMPC ’s guidelines for
the disposal of waste by landfill, but full completion was not achievable because of
the unsuccessful trips to the GCC which could have provided at least the design
operations specifications. The trips were restricted by budget and time constraints.

3.2 Internet research

Research by internet provided the basis of the research so far. Various landfill
operations and monitoring operations were investigated and a full insight on the
subject gained. Communications to various sources of information started through
emails and appointment were scheduled. Mr Jimmy Opelo who is an environmental
engineer at the national environmental laboratory was very helpful with information
regarding the landfill and further directed me to GCC. His contact was made through
sending an email to his department.

The internet also provided information on issues at the landfill which are clearly
related to the landfill operations e.g. the recent fire outbreak. This was through
checking the news on the landfill through various search engines like Google, yahoo,
e.t.c.

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 3.3 Visits to different authorities
A visit to the DSWM now DWMPC provided the Guidelines for the Disposal of
waste by landfill 1st edition 1997. A brief explanation about Gaborone landfill was
made about its conception and its continued existence after its design period has
transpired. That was just an informal discussion with one environmental engineer at
the laboratories. Other visits were made to GCC which owns and operates the landfill.
The chief environmental engineer and the landfill manager where caught up in various
tasks so they could not be confronted. the landfill manager was met briefly where he
aviled the quantities The second part of the project will include an interview with the
landfill manager which will hopefully avail the design and operations manual or
schedule.

3.4 Observation and Interviews

Observations tell a lot about the operations of the landfill, one can easily asses the
operations of the landfill by just observing its activities. Visits to the landfill have
been scheduled for the next phase of this project. The first visit was unsuccessful
since it was required proper safety wear should be worn on site and the senior
technical officer and his assistant were busy with consultation for the new landfill.
this project relied mainly on direct field observations. The discussions on and answers
to closed and interview schedules by stakeholders, affected- and- interested – persons,
provided. Observation was a preferred method as the researcher felt that the
interviewed may feel intimidated when asked questions about their capability to do
their jobs.

23
4 Results and Analysis
4.1 News and Articles
An internet research was done based on news by media and previous projects about
the Gaborone landfill. That is what operations have raised eyebrows and what has
been done. A couple of were found which in one way or the showed the problems
which have been brought out by bad operations at the landfill. The following are some
of the articles found and extracts from them.

Today the landfill is more that brimful and the fact that it does not provide a
contoured access makes it difficult for vehicles to approach, unload their content or to
compact it. (Characteristics, threats and opportunities of landfill scavenging: The
caseof Gaborone-Botswana-Batsumi Rankokwane & Thando D. Gwebu*2006)

GABORONE - River walk shopping centre and Fairgrounds office park will be
spared the stinking smell from the nearby old Gaborone Landfill which is closing this
December. (Daily News 11 September, 2008)

Constructed in 1993, the landfill had been expected to close prematurely because of
the magnitude of waste disposed from metropolitan Gaborone. Its location has also
been a subject of some controversy over the years. Some residents complained about
the fire outbreaks, which were mostly caused by scavengers. Gaborone City Council
(GCC) was on the other hand has been criticized for failure to recycle waste and
shoddy landfill management. (Daily News 20 January, 2008)

Lepang (GCC Principal Health Officer) has confessed that the council has lost control
of maintaining order at the landfill. "It is difficult for us to control illegal scavengers
at the landfill. But what I can assure you is that dumped foods from council are
destroyed before dumping them," he said. (Mmegi Online 27, November 2007)

The Gaborone landfill, which was constructed in 1993, had a 10-year life span. Its
location has in the past been marred with controversy and residents of Village have
complained about the stench that emanates from the area. Business people too in the

24
area have also complained in the past about flies that come from the landfill. (Mmegi
Online 3, November 2006)

From the news found in the internet one would find that indeed there is a problem
with Gaborone landfill, not only with the landfill being over its 10- year life span but
with the operations which have taken place over the years. Flies and stench which
geminates from the landfill are often a result of failing to daily cover waste or the
cover being thin enough to allow flies access to the waste. The fires which are
allegedly started by illegal scavengers should have not happened on the first place if
the was control on access to the landfill at the entrance and by the site having a well
erected and maintained fence.

25
4.2 Department of waste management

Department of waste management was visited to gather information basically on the

operations and maintenance procedure of a landfill. The information obtained on the
policies showed that the Government of Botswana (GOB) have any policies generally
governing the handling of the waste as shown on Guidelines for the Disposal of waste
by landfill 1st edition 1997. The personnel on the behalf of the department further
stated that the Government has waste management hierarchy for dealing with all
types of wastes. The management hierarchy is shown at the beginning of this report.
For licensing of the landfill the following guidelines are supposed to be followed for a
large landfill such as Gaborone. Observations on the guidelines where made in order
to asses and evaluate the operations and maintenance activities of Gaborone landfill.
Guidelines C
All weather site roads C
Waste acceptance procedure C
Control of vehicle access C
Site security C
Operating plan C
Landfill compactor C
Full-time supervision C
Compaction of waste C
Daily cover C
Wet weather cell C
Immediate covering of putrescibles C
Prohibition of end tipping C
Final cover C
Nuisance control C
Prohibition of burning C
Wind sock C
Draining water away from waste C
Leachate containment D
C: compulsory D: discretionary – opinion to be given by DSWM. N: not compulsory
Table 1 Showing guidelines required for a large landfill

4.3 Gaborone Landfill operations

4.3.1 Setup
The landfill is partitioned into five zones. At the main entrance are the administration
offices. This is where all the records and files on the operations of the landfill and

26
related activities are kept. The other zones are for: the disposal of waste food: trees,
wooden materials and construction rubble; tyres; and metal products, respectively.

However, because of the magnitude of waste received at the landfill, poor

management and shortage of space, these zones are no longer clearly defined. As a
result, it is possible to find an admixture of different items in one zone of the landfill.
The fence that had been erected around the landfill has since disintegrated. This
makes it difficult for its proper management resulting in animals such as goats, cows
and donkeys from some satellite communities gaining easy entrance into the landfill.
Also, any scavenging person can gain entry through ungazetted points.

Figure 4: Gaborone landfill setup 2003

ALL WASTE

LANDFILL
OFFICES

Tyres

Figure 5: latest setup of Gaborone landfill 2007

4.3.2 Classification

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Gaborone landfill is classified as a large landfill according to the landfill classification
matrix (source: Guidelines for the disposal of waste by landfill 1997) The Gaborone
population now greater than 186 000 (CSO, 2001) which from the table below
qualifies it to categorized as a large landfill

Landfills classification matrix

Landfill size class tonnes p.a. Indicative Population Size
Very small <500 2000
Small 500-6500 26500
Medium 6500-65000 150000
Large >65000 >150000
Table 2: Landfill classifications

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4.3.3 Types of waste
Gaborone landfill receives different types of waste which are supposed to be unloaded
on different places in the landfill according to type.
The Quantities of waste as in April 2007 are follows;

Total mass brought in the landfill

5768500

6000000

5000000

4000000
2858820

3000000

2000000
851800

1000000
179380

19900

50760
32900

0
tyres
greden refuse

general refuse

builders rubble
cover materials

mediacal wast

scrap metal

Graph 1: showing total mass (kg) recycled at the landfill

The graph above shows the amount recorded end of April 2007. Besides general
refuse, cover top soil (cover material) and builder’s rubble covers most of the space. If
these could be recycled, more space will be reserved for other uses, either by
accommodating non-recyclable waste. The figures in table x and y, the materials in
the landfill (builders rubble and cover materials) outnumbers the material recycled.

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 Total mass recycled in kg

140000

120740
120000

100000

80000

44360
60000

40000

19220
18500
11400

20000

380

340
0

tyres
scrap metal
greden refuse

mediacal wast

builders rubble
general refuse
cover materials

Graph 2 : showing total mass (kg) recycled at the landfill

30
4.4 Facilities and Resources for landfill operations.

4.4.1 Staff
In to order to asses the operations of the landfill it is necessary to know the employees
involved in these operations. The first data obtain at the site visit was on the resources
available that labour and mechanical (plant). It is also to be used to see if the
resources where adequate to undertake the operations required by the landfill design
guidelines.

The table below shows the employee shows the different people posts and their
primary duties at the landfill. The operation of the landfill requires qualified personnel
to ensure that everything goes well according to conditions of the licence. The names
were in this case where not necessary since the employees may feel intimidated by a
stranger taking their name in an assessment project and hence refuse to access to
information

Position Duties
Principal Technical Officer • Manages the landfill
(PTO) • Prepares the operation plan
• Responsible for safety aspects of the landfill
procedures
Senior Technical officer • Assist in the management of the landfill
(STO) • Ensures the operation plan is followed
Technical Officer TO • Oversee the operations of the landfill whether they
are being done to standards
• Links the managerial team to the operational team
Administration Assistant • Responsible for book keeping
• Office upkeep
4 Operators • operates the available plant
• supervises the refuse collectors
Cleaner • Keeps the offices clean
Refuse Collector • They are responsible for litter picking and upkeep of
the landfill area

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Traffic Controllers
Fee Booth operator
Incinerator Operator
Gate keepers
Table 3: Showing the employees and their roles
• They also help to direct the traffic to working face.
• see as the above
• Operates the weighing bridge
• Complies daily weights records
• Check the contents of waste trucks for classification
• Operates incinerators for incinerating medical
wastes
• Security officers
• Identifies the types of wastes brought to landfill
• Controls traffic entering and leaving the landfill

As an essential component of operation it was necessary to identify the different roles

played by each worker so as to see how well the operations can be done. According
the above summarised roles the landfill staff appears to be qualified to operate and
maintain the landfill.

4.4.2 Plant and Equipment

The other task was to gather information on the plant and equipment available for use
at the landfill and their different functions. The type of equipment must be suitable to
handle the type of waste and quantity that is in terms of its make and construction.
The availability of plant and equipment is an essential aspect of good landfill
management and its operations. The information is presented table below.

Type of Plant Function

Front end loader • Loads cover soil into the tipper trucks
2 tipper trucks • Used for carrying cover soil from stockpile
to place for compaction
1 dozer • Stockpiles cover material.
Refuse compactor • Compacts and spreads waste
Grader • Spreads the covers soil and repairs internal
roads
Table 4 showing plant available at the lanfill and majo function

Often, a lack of financial and human resources, coupled with absent enabling policies,
limit the extent to which landfills can be built, operated and maintained at minimum

32
standards of sanitary practice (Phatshwe undated). This may reflect the absence of
appropriate equipment or supportive regulative instruments to carry out these
practices (Kgathi and Bolaane, 2001; Ntana, 2001). The equipment available for use
at the Gaborone landfill seems to be adequate to maintain a minimum standard of
landfill operation.

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4.5 Observations
The table below shows observation of the guidelines as observed from the Gaborone
landfill. As already stated in the methodology this project relied mainly on direct field
observations. The discussions on and answers to closed and open interview schedules
by stakeholders, affected-and- interested – persons, provided the information on the
operations and maintenance activities. These are the observations and analysis based
on the Guidelines for the Disposal of waste by landfill 1st edition 1997 for a large
landfill as classified above.

4.5.1 All weather site roads

The tarred road to the landfill from the main road was found to be dirty and full of
debris from trucks delivering waste to the landfill. But from the recent observation it
has improved due to an act which now requires the trucks to be covered. A gravel road
leads the traffic from the main gate to weigh bridge and to the working face. The
internal roads are regularly maintained and compacted to make them weather proof.
Although well compacted, dust was found to be created by the traffic during windy
conditions. These roads were constructed according to specifications provided by the
management after decisions to change location for new cells.

4.5.2 Waste acceptance procedure

Waste acceptance procedure was found to be not sufficient, since vehicles were
allowed to pass through the main gate and about 40m to the weighing bridge where
the operator could find it difficult to deny entry due to que which could have already
formed behind the vehicle. The spotter was found to be at the weighing bridge rather
than at the gate. The spotter was found to be at the weighing bridge rather than at the
gate.

4.5.3 Control of vehicle access

Vehicles are allowed through the main gate which is manned by security guards. The
gate was found to be open most of the times, with scavengers climbing into the waste
carrying vehicles as they slow down at the entrance. the vehicles then follow track to

34
the where the working face is. Due to the size of the landfill there was no need for
road signs showing direction to the unloading area because it is visible from the
entrance.

4.5.4 Site security

Security of the landfill was found to be very insufficient. In one of the visits cables
connecting offices’ computer to the weigh bridge was stolen. The area is infested with
scavengers (unregulated) who pose danger to themselves and the public by carrying
waste out to their communities some which include disposed food materials. The
fence that had been erected around the landfill has since disintegrated. This makes it
difficult for its proper management resulting in animals such as goats, cows and
donkeys from some satellite communities gaining easy entrance into the landfill.

4.5.5 Operating plan

The landfill is operated according to an operation plan laid down by the management
of the landfill and it incorporates standard practice of handling waste. The document
was not provided when requested.

4.5.6 Landfill compactor and Compaction of waste

The landfill compactor was available for compaction of the waste. According to the
guidelines and theory, waste should be compacted daily and covered with cover soil.
During the two weeks of observation, the plant was most of the time under
breakdown, leaving the waste to go days without compaction.

4.5.7 Daily cover

Soil cover was stockpiled on site for daily cover. Most of it was received from
construction projects in the city. It was enough to cover the waste daily but the
operators were always behind schedule when coming to cover the soil because of the
excessive amount of waste arriving on site and scavengers delaying the compactor
which had to negotiate through them and the plant having breakdown.

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4.5.8 Immediate covering of putrescibles
There was no special regulation for covering putrescibles. They were unloaded and
treated as the same way as general waste. This was found to be major contribution of
odour and source of flies from the landfill.

4.5.9 Three days stockpile of cover

Covers soil stockpile was in bulk. The landfill manager said when it was short they
would collect from a nearby burrow pit, but most of the cover soil was from the
contractors.

4.5.10Nuisance control
Nuisance control was done by compacting providing cover soil whenever possible to
prevent flies and rodents from breeding in the waste dumped.

4.5.11Wind sock
A wind sock is will basically determine the direction of cells to reduce blowing of
litter and other light waste by wind around the landfill. The wind sock can also
determine where windbreakers of cover soil should be stockpiled before daily cover.
No wind sock was observed at Gaborone Landfill

4.5.12Draining water away from waste

There was no any draining measure for draining water away from the waste. This
resulted in cracks forming and exposing waste when the storm water flows down the
slopes of landfill. These where found on the north side of the landfill where
Landfilling started and final cover has been done.

4.5.13Containment of contaminated runoff

There is a containment of runoff. The runoff flowed from the landfill through a
concrete drain leading to a contamination lagoon located at the eastern corner of the
landfill.

36
4.5.14Leachate containment
Generally the containment of Leachate is not sufficient; there are no subsurface
Leachate collection pipes which are supposed to channel the Leachate to the
contamination lagoon pond.

4.5.15Storm water diversion measures

There is a concrete surface drain running on the northern side of the landfill which is
suppose to cater for surface runoff of both storm water and surface Leachate. This
drain leads to a contamination lagoon located at the eastern corner of the landfill.

4.5.16Landfill gas control

Gaborone landfill at the moment does not house any landfill gas control apparatus and
there no plans for such operation in near future the landfill manager verified.

4.5.17Analysis of observation.
All the above operations are compulsory under the guidelines for licensing and
operations of a large landfill. Most of these operations where found to be below
standard when compared to the standard operations and maintenance activities
discussed on the literature review. The problem of illegal scavengers was at rife in the
landfill and posed a security risk to workers, property, visitors and legal scavengers.

37
5 Problems encountered.
They have been some delays which has clearly hindered the progress and content of
this project. The two unsuccessful visits to GCC which could have kick started this
project by providing basic reference materials. Further visits where done to collect the
initial design, operation and maintenance of the landfill, but there were no
documentation and the Chief Environmental Health officer was not aware of them.
Hence the researcher resorted to using the Guidelines for the Disposal of waste by
landfill 1st edition 1997 incorporated with other international standards for evaluation
of the activities.

Gaborone landfill was on its closing face, where the landfill manager was unavailable
due to meetings on the future of the landfill. Out of frustration with numerous failed
appointments researcher had to generally base his results on observation and online
research.

38
6 Conclusion
The main aim of the project has been met which was to asses and to evaluate the
operation and maintenance of Gaborone landfill through data collection on all
activities carried at the landfill.

In Botswana the Waste Management Act and Strategy and Landfill Guidelines
underline the importance of Landfilling. Although these are statutory requirements for
the construction, operation and maintenance of landfills, they are generally not
enforced. In this case, the Gaborone landfills is owned and operated by the same
public agency that is charged with enforcing the minimum standards of its operations
and maintenance.

The rapid spatial expansion of the Gaborone built-up area and voluminous discharge
of domestic waste due to increasing disposable incomes covering material, and rubble
from the booming construction industry, the landfill has rapidly reached its maximum
potential capacity and most of its operations have collapsed in anticipation of closure.
The landfill which was partitioned into five zones is now a single zone landfill
because of the magnitude of waste received at the landfill, poor operational
management and shortage of space. As these zones are no longer clearly defined it is
possible to find an admixture of different waste items in one zone of the landfill.

As discussed in the findings most of the crucial operations which are a requirement
for proper landfill operation maintenance activities are not being done according to
standards set on Guidelines for the Disposal of waste by landfill 1st edition 1997.
Operating practice generally does not include compaction or the application of daily
cover. This in the long run will reduce the ability of the landfill to provide
containment of the wastes for as long as the waste in the landfill is a threat.

39
7 Recommendations
Regarding the Gaborone landfill being at its closure period, it more important to
concentrate on the maintenance aspects of the landfill, that is monitoring and
repairing of cover to prevent the exposure of compacted waste and other nuisances
like pests and flies. The problems surrounding the operational management of
Gaborone landfill will have to be addressed.

40
8 References
Johannessen L.M. and Boyer G., 1999: Observations of Solid Waste Landfills in
Developing Countries: Africa, Asia, and Latin America. World Bank, Washington
D.C.

Kgathi D.L. and Bolaane B., 2001: Instruments for sustainable solid waste
management in Botswana Waste Management & Research 19:342–353.

Republic of Botswana., 1997: Guidelines for the Disposal of Waste byLandfill.

Government Printer, Gaborone.

Botswana Daily News, 2003: Gaborone Landfill to Close Sooner Due to High
Amount of Refuse. Number 11, January 20 p. 2.

Ssegawa J (2003) Research Project Manual Guidelines, Faculty of Engineering and

Technology, University of Botswana

41