Disposal of Solid Waste by Land Filling

(AN AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION UNDER VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, BELGAUM)
YELAHANKA, BANGALORE – 560064
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Project Report
on
Disposal of Solid Waste by Land Filling

Submitted in Partial fulfilment for the Course
Solid Waste Management
(Subject code-18ME823)
Submitted by: -
JAI S NAIK VIII Sem 1NT18ME053
JAYANTH A C VIII Sem 1NT18ME055
RISHAB THUDI VIII Sem 1NT18ME126

SUNIL PAREEK VIII Sem 1NT18ME153
Course instructor
Mrs Krupa R
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Nmit, Bengaluru
2021-22
(AN AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION UNDER VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, BELGAUM)
YELAHANKA, BANGALORE – 560064
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
CERTIFICATE
This is to Certify that the report titled “DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE BY LAND
FILLING”, is a bonafied work Carried out by Jai S Naik (1NT18ME053), Jayanth A C
(1NT18ME055), Rishab Thudi (1NT18ME126), Sunil Pareek (1NT18ME153) in partial
fulfillment of LA Component for the Subject “Solid Waste Management”, in MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING of the Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum during the academic
year 2021-22. It is certified that all corrections/suggestions indicated during Assessment have
been incorporated in the Report. The report has been approved as it satisfies the academic
requirements in respect of Seminar work prescribed as per the Autonomous scheme of Nitte
Meenakshi Institute of Technology, for the said Degree.
Name & Signature of the Guide Name & Signature of the coordinator
Name & Signature of the HOD Name & Signature of the Principal
Name of Examiners Signature with Date
ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We express our deep sense of gratitude to our respected and learned guide Mrs. Krupa
R, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, for his valuable help and
guidance. We are thankful to them for their encouragement in completing this Report.
We are also grateful to respect Dr. Sudheer Reddy J, Head of Department, Mechanical
Engineering, for permitting us to use all the necessary facilities.
We are also thankful to all the other faculty and staff members of our department for their
kind cooperation and help. Last but not least, we would like to express our deep
appreciation towards our classmates and our indebtedness to our parents for providing us
the moral support and encouragement.
iii
ABSTRACT
A landfill is an engineered pit, in which layers of solid waste are filled, compacted and covered
for final disposal. It is lined at the bottom to prevent groundwater pollution. Engineered
landfills consist of a lined bottom; a leachate collection and treatment system; groundwater
monitoring; gas extraction (the gas is flared or used for energy production) and a cap system.
The capacity is planned and the site is chosen based on an environmental risk assessment study
(UNEP 2002). There are also landfills specially designed to encourage anaerobic
biodegradation of the organic fraction of the waste for biogas production by monitoring the
oxygen conditions and moisture content. Landfills need expert design as well as skilled
operators and a proper management to guarantee their functionality. Landfilling is one of the
most widely employed methods for the disposal of municipal solid waste. It is applicable where
enough land is available and costs are lower than other discharge methods. Depending on the
capabilities of the community/city (financial, knowledge), a very basic landfill can be designed
or a high-tech bioreactor landfill implemented. However, it must always be lined properly at
the bottom to prevent groundwater pollution and a cover is needed to protect from insect
breeding or wind erosion.
A landfill protects community health only if it is well managed. Good management includes
training and support for landfill workers, and working together with resource recovery centres,
toxic waste collectors, and local government
iv
LIST OF CONTENT
1) Introduction…………………………………………………………..01
2) Methods of Solid Waste Disposal and Management……………….03
3) Principle……………………………………………………………....05
4) Characteristics of Landfill…………………………………………...05
5) Types of Landfills…………………………………………………….06
6) Landfilling methods for Urban waste disposal……………………..08
7) Landfill-Design and Operations……………………………………..09
8) Advantages and Disadvantages of Landfilling……………………..10
9) Public, Environmental and Health Concerns………………………11
10) Conclusion…………………………………………………………...12
11) References……………………………………………………………13
v
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Municipal Solid waste Landfill .............................................................. 6

Figure 2 Industrial waste Landfill ......................................................................... 6
Figure 3 Hazardous waste Landfill ....................................................................... 7
Figure 4 Green waste Landfill .............................................................................. 7
Figure 5 Landfill Design ....................................................................................... 9
Figure 6 Landfill Finished Phase picture .............................................................. 9
vi
INTRODUCTION
A landfill, also called sanitary landfill, is a land disposal site for waste, which is designed to
protect from environmental pollution and health risks. It is not the same as an open dump.
Landfills are built to concentrate the waste in compacted layers to reduce the volume and
monitored for the control of liquid and gaseous effluent in order to protect the environment and
human health. Besides municipal solid waste, faecal sludge can also be discharged into
landfills. Well-constructed and maintained landfills are safer than open dumping sites, but even
the best sanitary landfill will fill up and, after many years, probably start to leak. Therefore,
only waste, which cannot be reused further should be disposed of in landfills. To solve current
waste problems, prevention of waste in the first place remains a priority. Separation of different
types of wastes and reuse is much more sustainable. For instance, the disposal of faecal sludge
should only be considered, if there is no need and market for soil conditioner/ fertiliser (see
also composting large-scale and small scale, fertiliser from sludge, anaerobic digestion and use
of compost). Modern landfills are well-engineered and managed facilities for the disposal of
solid waste. Landfills are located, designed, operated and monitored to ensure compliance with
federal regulations. They are also designed to protect the environment from contaminants,
which may be present in the waste stream. Landfills cannot be built in environmentally-
sensitive areas, and they are placed using on-site environmental monitoring systems. These
monitoring systems check for any sign of groundwater contamination and for landfill gas, as
well as provide additional safeguards. Today’s landfills must meet stringent design, operation
and closure requirements established under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA).
Disposing waste in landfills is one part of an integrated waste management system. EPA
encourages communities to consider the waste management hierarchy - favouring source
reduction to reduce both the volume and toxicity of waste and to increase the useful life of
manufactured products - when designing waste management systems.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) defines solid waste as garbage, refuse,
sludge from sewage treatment plants, ash from incinerators, mining waste, construction and
demolition materials. It also includes some small quantities of hazardous waste. There are
several acceptable methods for disposing of these wastes. These include incineration,
DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGG, NMIT 1|Page

composting, recycling, industrial surface impoundments, and landfills. In terms of personal

inconvenience, disposing of waste in landfills is easier than the other methods. Waste can have
any shape or condition prior to being placed into a landfill. This is different from composting
and incineration. Waste to be composted must be biodegradable and have maximal surface area
to hasten the process of composting. Waste to be incinerated must be combustible and be
reduced into small pieces to maximize surface area and promote burning. Waste to be disposed
of in a landfill is usually broken down with heavy machinery, then compacted and placed into
specially prepared sites. Formerly, waste was dumped into unused sand or gravel pits. In 2002,
most waste is placed into sanitary landfills. These are specially prepared sites into which drains
and special linings have been installed prior to the placement of waste. In sanitary landfills,
waste is compacted each day and covered with a layer of dirt to decrease odour and discourage
flies and other organisms such as rats, mice and birds that can transmit disease.
In 1960, each American generated 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) of solid waste. This grew to 4.3 lb (1.9 kg)
per person by 1990. Americans continue to generate more solid waste each day but the rate of
growth has decreased. In 2000, each person generated 4.5 lb (2.0 kg) each day. The population
also continues to increase. The net effect is to create increased amounts of municipal waste.
The supply of available landfill space is rapidly decreasing. The attitude of not in my backyard
(NIMBY) further slows the development and construction of new landfills. With fewer
landfills, the cost of sanitary waste disposal has dramatically increased. The composition of
waste dumped into landfills is also important in terms of capacity and useful life. For instance,
plastics account for 8% of municipal solid waste by weight, but more than 21% by volume. In
an attempt to conserve land space and reduce other, long-term problems, some municipalities
have banned the deposition of certain materials such as car batteries, used tires, motor oil, yard
waste, and appliances.
In 1980, 81% of solid waste was buried in landfills; in 1990 the amount had decreased to 67%.
In 2000, the amount of solid waste put into landfills again increased to approximately 75%.
This decrease through 1990 was the result of a concentrated effort by federal and local
organizations to address problems associated with landfills. Experts differ as to the reasons for
the increase. Many attribute it to decreased participation in recycling programs. In addition,
contamination of surface and ground waters near landfills has been reported for the past two
decades. Because of these and other health-related problems associated with landfill use, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to recommend source reduction, recycling,
and incineration as the preferred waste management solutions. Placing solid waste in landfills

is the least desirable method for disposing of solid waste. However, it is an acceptable
alternative that is far superior to unrestricted dumping.
METHODS OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AND MANAGEMENT
Here are the methods of solid waste disposal and management
1) Solid Waste Open Burning
2) Sea dumping process
3) Solid wastes sanitary landfills
4) Incineration method
5) Composting process
6) Disposal by Ploughing into the fields
7) Disposal by hog feeding
8) Salvaging procedure
9) Fermentation/biological digestion
1. Solid Waste Open Burning
Solid waste open burning is not the perfect method in the present scenario.
2. Sea Dumping Process
This sea dumping process can be carried out only in coastal cities. This is very costly procedure
and not environment friendly.
3. Solid wastes sanitary landfills
Solid wastes sanitary landfills process is simple, clean and effective. In this procedure, layers
are compressed with some mechanical equipment and covered with earth, leveled, and
compacted. A deep trench of 3 to 5 m is excavated and micro-organisms act on the organic
matter and degrade them.

In this procedure, refuse depth is generally limited to 2m. Facultative bacteria hydrolyse
complex organic matter into simpler water-soluble organics
4. Incineration method
Incineration method is suitable for combustible refuse. High operation costs and construction
are involved in this procedure. This method would be suited in crowded cities where sites for
land filling are not available. It can be used to reduce the volume of solid wastes for land filling.
5. Composting process
Composting process is similar to sanitary land-filling and it is popular in developing countries.

Decomposable organic matter is separated and composted in this procedure. Yields are stable
end products and good soil conditioners. They can be used as a base for fertilizers.
Two methods have been used in this process:
a) Open Window Composting
b) Mechanical Composting
6. Disposal by Ploughing into the fields
Disposal by ploughing into the fields are not commonly used. These disposals are not
environment friendly in general.
7. Disposal by hog feeding
Disposal by hog feeding is not general procedure in India. Garbage disposal into sewers
including BOD and TSS increases by 20-30%. Refuse is ground well in grinders and then fed
into sewers.
8. Salvaging procedure
Materials such as metal, paper, glass, rags, certain types of plastic and so on can be salvaged,
recycled, and reused.
9. Fermentation/biological digestion
Biodegradable wastes are converted to compost and recycling can be done whenever possible.
Hazardous wastes can be disposed using suitable methods.

PRINCIPLE
• The purpose of landfilling is to bury/alter the chemical composition of the waste so that
they do not pose any threat to the environment or public health.
• Landfills are usually made up of cells in which a discrete volume of waste just kept
isolated from adjacent waste cells by suitable barrier .
• The term ‘Cell’ is used to describe the volume of material placed in a landfill during
one operating period.
CHARACTERISTICS OF LANDFILL
1. Solid waste is placed in a suitably selected and prepared landfill site in a carefully
prescribed manner.
2. The waste material is spread out and compacted with appropriate heavy machinery.
3. The waste is covered each day with a layer of compacted soil.
4. Most important feature of modern sanitary landfill design is the technology used to
prevent GW (Ground water) pollution.
5. It relies on containment rather than treatment.

TYPES OF LANDFILLS
1. Municipal solid waste Landfill: A Municipal solid waste landfill (MSWLF) is a
discrete area of land or excavation that receives household waste. A MSWLF may also
receive other types of nonhazardous wastes, such as commercial solid waste,
nonhazardous sludge, conditionally exempt small quantity generator waste, and
industrial nonhazardous solid waste.
Figure 1 Municipal Solid waste Landfill
2. Industrial waste landfill: An Industrial waste landfill is any landfill other than a
municipal solid waste landfill. An industrial waste landfill is where industrial waste is
disposed of. While any type of solid industrial waste can be brought to these landfills,
they are most often used for construction debris disposal, which is why they are
commonly known as C&D landfills. Ex: Concrete, metal, bricks, construction wastes
etc
Figure 2 Industrial waste Landfill

3. Hazardous waste Landfill: Hazardous waste landfills are the most closely regulated
and structured landfills. They are specifically designed to hold hazardous wastes in a
way that virtually eliminates the chance of it being released into the
environment. Hazardous waste landfills are often inspected multiple times a year to
make sure that the facility is up to code and the standards are top-notch.
Figure 3 Hazardous waste Landfill
4. Green waste Landfill: While these are not officially sanctioned landfills by the EPA,
many municipalities are starting to offer a place for organic materials to naturally
decompose. These composting sites are on the rise because most standard landfills and
transfer stations are not as accepting of organic materials like fruits, vegetables and, in
particular, yard waste disposal. Ex: Weed, Leaves, Flowers and Biodegradable food
waste.
Figure 4 Green waste Landfill

LANDFILLING METHODS for Urban waste disposal
1. Cell landfilling method: Cell landfilling method is a progressive filling and restoration
concept that advocates tidy disposal of waste. Cell landfilling involves depositing
collected waste in a pre-constructed bonded area.
2. Trench landfilling method: Trench method is also known as Below Ground
Landfill. Trench method of landfilling involves excavation of a waste trench. Collected
Waste is disposed inside excavated trench and is covered-up with a layer of soil. This
method is suitable only for small quantity of waste. Trench landfilling method may not
be suitable for large quantity of waste because larger trench needs to be excavated with
proportionate increase in the cost of disposable.
3. Area landfilling method: Area landfilling method is also known as Above Ground
Landfill. Area landfilling is mostly used to dispose urban waste. Area landfilling
method involves depositing waste in layers and forming terraces over an identified
landfilling area. Area landfilling method generates excessive leachate, which is not only
difficult to control but will also pollute ground water table
4. Slope landfilling method: Slope landfilling method involves disposing collected waste
along the sides of existing hill slope.
5. Valley landfilling method: Valley Landfilling Method is also known as Canyon
Landfills. In valley landfilling method collected waste is deposited in valleys, low-lying
areas, canyons, ravines etc.
6. Combination landfilling method: More than one of the above listed landfilling methods
are employed in combination to dispose off collected waste. In all the above methods
precautions needs to be taken to prevent harm to mother nature. Various contamination
may occur during landfilling of urban solid waste.

LANDFILL- DESIGN AND OPERATIONS
1. Planning Phase-involves Preliminary hydro- geological and Geo- technical site

investigations as a basis for actual design.
2. Construction phase- involves at work, the road and facility construction and preparation
(liners, drains) of the fill area.
Figure 5 Landfill Design
3. Operation phase (5-20 years) Involves work at the front of the fill area, operation of
environmental installations, completion of finished sections. It also has a high traffic
intensity.
4. Completed phase (20-100 years) Involves termination of actual filling to the time when
environmental installations need no longer to be operated. The emissions may have
decreased to a level where they do not need any further treatment and can be discharged
freely into the surroundings.
5. Final storage phase – In this phase the landfill is integrated into the surroundings for
the further purpose, no longer needs special attention.
Figure 6 Landfill Finished Phase picture

ADVANTAGES OF LANDFILLING
1. In addition to provide an option for waste management, it also serves to improve/

reclaim poor quality land.
2. It raises the ground elevation/ surface grade of the site. Completed landfills have been
converted to municipal parks, playgrounds, golf courses, community land use projects.
3. It is the most economical alternative for solid waste disposal which accounts for its
frequent application.
4. Other disposal methods are not entirely safe and efficient throughout the year.
5. Incineration is a costly process, residue requires ultimate disposal on land.
6. Composting is a seasonal option.
7. It is not possible to reclaim and recycle all solid waste materials, thus landfilling is the
most convenient option.
DISADVANTAGES OF LANDFILLING
1. Difficult to find suitable site within economically feasible distance.
2. It is not possible to build a completely safe and secure solid waste landfill. Some of the
pollutants may escape in the environment in the form of leachate.
3. Potential harm to public health due to air, soil, water and noise pollution.
4. Damage to local ecosystems.
5. Public oppose.
DEPT OF MECHANICAL ENGG, NMIT 10 | P a g e

PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH CONCERNS
1. It is important to minimize contamination from landfill to the surrounding environment

2. Landfill should not be located in a low-lying wetland areas i.e. near marshes, swamps,
As the waste should not come in contact with the surface.
3. It should not be located in floodplains of streams/ rivers. there should be minimum
distance of 60 meter from any lake or pond.
4. Vertical separation of 1.5 meter between base of landfill and seasonally high GW
(Ground Water) table elevation.
5. It should not be located in unstable areas or if it is present, it must be designed to resist
forces caused by seismic activity.

CONCLUSION
With an exponentially increasing population, it is even more important to be considerate about

how well individuals take care of the planet. Land is limited, resources are limited, and the
health of the plant can only be hurt to a limited extent. As more and more waste is generated
yearly, it is evident that this increasing trend is unacceptable in the long run. Landfills and
recycling can only temporarily mitigate the immediate consequences of this large waste
production. However, if the problem of municipal solid waste is to be truly addressed, the root
of the issue must be looked at first. If less waste is generated in the first place, the challenge of
finding environmentally feasible ways of disposing of waste will be much easier.

REFERENCES
1. Mohammed Reza, “Landfill”, March 2022.

2. Sushanta Kumar Naik, “Solid waste and landfill leachate”, Contaminants of Emerging
Concerns and Reigning Removal Technologies (pp.123-149), May 2022.
3. Osama Sahil Shaltami, “Landfill Geochemistry”, Multidisciplinary researches and
articles, Community Development for Exploring Humanity with Science and
Technology, Project 8, November 2021.
4. Waseem S Khan, Eylem Asmatulu, “Waste Landfill Reclamation”, Recycling and
Reusing of Engineering Materials (pp.311-319), January 2022.
5. Pugneshwary Palaniandy, Hamidi Abdul Azeez, “Sanitary Landfill types and design”,
Solid Waste Engineering and Management (pp.543-597), March 2022.
6. Sohoo Ihsanullah, “Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Approaches”, March 2022.

Disposal of Solid Waste by Land Filling

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(AN AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION UNDER VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, BELGAUM)

YELAHANKA, BANGALORE – 560064

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING