Operating Landfills as Bioreactor by

Recirculating Leachate
Cevat Yaman1 ; Yusuf Kucukaga2 ; Burcu Pala2 ; Gülşah Delice2

Abstract
Operating of sanitary landfills causes problems because of economic reasons. More economical and
applicable innovative methods will be an opportunity for local authorities that are responsible for disposal
of municipal solid wastes (MSWs). The first two problems that the local authorities face during operating
of landfills are; cost of leachate treatment due to high energy consumption, and the problems faced during
landfill gas (LFG) management.
At conventional waste disposal sites, after the waste is disposed and after the landfill area is completely
filled, the landfill surrounding is fenced, and if it is needed, waste samples are taken to monitor the landfill.
In developed countries; after landfill is closed, the aim is both to benefit economically from the landfill and
re-open the landfill area at the shortest time for beneficial use by eliminating the environmental risks. In a
closed landfill, the landfill should be monitored by recirculating the leachate back to the waste mass until
all the toxic compounds that are harmful to the environment are completely removed. This is possible only
if the landfill is operated as a bioreactor. Landfill bioreactors (LBRs) increase the moisture content of the
waste, thus the waste is decomposed and stabilized much faster. For this purpose, the moisture is generally
supplied from the leachate produced in the landfill. By recirculating of leachate; water content, nutrients,
enzymes and the bacteria are evenly distributed in the landfill. Economic benefit will be gained because
operating landfill as a bioreactor shortens the time needed for decomposition and the stabilization of
municipal solid wastes and it also increases the landfill gas production.
By means of operating a landfill as an anaerobic bioreactor, the leachate quality will be improved,
treatment cost will decrease, life span of the landfill will decrease and new additional volume will be gained
due to faster waste decomposition time, and the landfill gas will be produced much faster in high amounts.
The necessary moisture content level in the landfill will be maintained by keeping it at the field capacity
40-45% or above, which will increase the waste degradation rate and gas production rate.
Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW); Landfill Bioreactor (LBR); Leachate Recirculation

1. INTRODUCTION
Municipal solid wastes have heterogeneous structure and it consists of approximately 75% biodegradable
organic matter [1]. The organic part is composed of easily biodegradable materials such as food and garden
waste and, slow-biodegradable material such as hard plastic. Chemical properties of municipal solid waste are
water content, volatile solids, inorganic carbon content, ash content and calorific value. Municipal solid waste
at a dry weight basis is comprised of 30-50% cellulose, 10-15% lignin, 10-12% hemi-cellulose, 10-15% oils
and organics, and 5-10% protein. Potential of methane (CH4) comes from %90 of cellulose and 10% from
decomposition of hemi-cellulose [1]. Physical properties of solid waste are density, volumetric water content,

1
Corresponding author: Gebze Technical University, Environmental Engineering Dep., 41400, Gebze/Kocaeli/TURKEY
cevatyaman@yahoo.com
2
Gebze Technical University, Environmental Engineering Dep., 41400, Gebze/Kocaeli/TURKEY
yusufkucukaga@gmail.com ; delicegulsah@gmail.com ; burcupala92@gmail.com

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EurAsia Waste Management Symposium, 2-4 May 2016, YTU 2010 Congress Center, İstanbul/Türkiye
field capacity, and specific gravity. The landfill gas contains typically 45-60% methane (CH4), 40-60% carbon
dioxide (CO2) and also small amounts of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, nonmethane organic compounds
(NMOCs), and trace amounts of inorganic compounds. Methane gas is 21 times more greenhouse effect
compared to carbon dioxide, thus it has to be controlled in landfills.
A bioreactor landfill is a sanitary landfill that uses enhanced microbiological processes to convert and stabilize
the easily and moderately biodegradable organic waste constituents in a short period of time (5-10 years) in
comparison to a conventional landfill (30-50 years). Operator of a landfill bioreactor controls, monitors, and
optimizes the waste stabilization process rather than simply contain the wastes as required. A well operated
landfill bioreactor can provide a more sustainable and environmental friendly waste management strategy
compared to standard landfilling. The landfill bioreactor requires certain system design and operational
modifications which are required to enhance and control the stabilization process.

2. LANDFILL BIOREACTORS

2.1. General Information

Formation of methane gas increases as a result of waste decomposition in a sanitary landfill. After closure of a
landfill, leachate and the landfill gas have to be monitored for 30 years or longer. The most preferred control
method of biogas is, to produce electricity by burning the methane gas. Therefore, the main purpose of a well
operated landfill bioreactor is to maximize the methane gas production in a short time. Depending on the
environmental conditions, formation of methane gas occurs very slowly if it is not accelerated by some
operational changes.
Landfills are operated to enhance waste decomposition by liquid addition and leachate recirculation which is
referred to bioreactor. The landfill bioreactor provides control and optimization of waste stabilization through
the addition of leachate or liquid. The landfill bioreactor increases the extent of organic waste decomposition,
conversion rates and process effectiveness.
It was found that recirculation of leachate accelerates the waste stabilization process which is considered as
landfill gas generation rate and also leachate concentrations remain at steady levels [2], [3], [4], [5]. Bioreactors
helps to accelerate the decomposition of waste and conversion of complex organic compounds to biogas, so
that efficiency of the process increases significantly [6]. Techniques which are used to accelerate decomposition
rate are; leachate recirculation, shredding of the waste, compaction of the waste, controlling the temperature,
humidity, pH balance, aeration, sanitary landfill with sewage sludge and addition of nutrients [7], [8]. The
desired microbial population occurs in sanitary landfill with optimization of these parameters. A landfill
bioreactor provides, faster methane formation, decrease in landfill volume, in-situ leachate treatment, and
pollutant removal in short time [9].
Landfill bioreactors increase the moisture content of the waste, thus the waste is decomposed and stabilized
faster. The moisture is usually supplied from the leachate produced in the landfill. By recirculating of leachate;
water content, nutrients, enzymes and the bacteria are evenly distributed in the landfill. Landfill gas production
will increase and economic benefit will be gained because landfill bioreactors accelerate decomposition and
stabilization of wastes.
Operation of landfills as bioreactor provides in-situ treatment of leachate, in addition to increase in biogas
production rate. Moreover, as a result of increased biological decomposition, LBRs provide additional volumes
in the waste body.

Figure 1. Schematic view of a well-designed landfill bioreactor.

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 Operating Landfills as Bioreactor by Recirculating Leachate
C. Yaman, Y. Kucukaga, B. Pala, G. Delice

2.2. Landfill Bioreactor Classification

Landfill bioreactor is a treatment technology which provides controlled degradation of MSWs. If leachate
produced in a landfill is recirculated to waste body by a specific procedure, that landfill is operated as a
bioreactor. However, if the leachate is randomly given to waste body it cannot be classified as a landfill
bioreactor.
Anaerobic Bioreactors
Moisture is given to the waste body via leachate recirculation to provide optimal moisture content in anaerobic
LBRs. Biodegradation of waste occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces landfill gas. This landfill gas
which is also called as biogas, mainly consists of methane and carbon dioxide. This gas content is converted to
electrical energy easily by burning.
Aerobic Bioreactors
Leachate is recirculated from the bottom layer into the landfill in an aerobic landfill bioreactor similar to other
bioreactor types. In addition to leachate recirculation, air is injected into the waste mass in aerobic bioreactors,
using vertical or horizontal wells to accelerate the decomposition of waste by aerobic biodegradation.
Hybrid (Aerobic-Anaerobic) Bioreactor
In hybrid bioreactor; sequentially aerobic and anaerobic phases are employed to upper part of the waste body
for fast decomposition. At the same time, anaerobically generated landfill gas is collected from lower parts of
the waste.
Semi Aerobic Bioreactor
Especially in some Asian countries, aerobic stabilization is applied by natural ventilation of the leachate
collection systems.
As-Built Bioreactor Landfill
This type of LBR is designed at the beginning as a bioreactor, while retrofit bioreactors are converted after it’s
constructed. This types of LBRs have some different methods for liquid addition compared to retrofit
bioreactors.
Retrofit Bioreactor Landfill
The construction and operation of landfills as bioreactor take place after the landfill is in operation, and most
or all of the waste has been placed, which means that it was not conceived as bioreactor from the beginning.
Liquid addition methods are limited compared to as-built bioreactors.

2.3. Implementation
Site Configuration
Landfill operators considering implementation of bioreactor technology for the landfills located in cold regions
may not achieve rapid stabilization of waste. The waste decomposition is carried out by the microorganisms
under appropriate environment and temperature. Optimum temperature range is between 34-40oC for anaerobic
(mesophilic) organisms. For the bioreactors located in cold regions, to increase the temperature, air circulation
through the waste can be practiced. When air is given to landfill, aerobic activity and waste degradation rate
increases. Once the temperature rises, methanogenic microorganisms become dominant and degrade the waste.
Remaining Capacity
If a landfill is left with small remaining capacity (app. 2-3 years), it may not be used as landfill bioreactor. Also,
it may be harder to transfer leachate into the deep areas of the landfill and get good stabilization of the waste;
however, leachate treatment cost can be saved. If a remaining capacity of a landfill is enough for replacement
of horizontal injection lines, leachate can be uniformly distributed by these horizontal lines.
Leachate Collection System Design
Water height of leachate should not be more than 40 at the bottom of the landfill. Leachate collection system
must be designed to accommodate the higher volumes of liquids that will be moving through the landfill. It
may be necessary to increase the pipe size and additional pumping capacity. The long-term permeability of
granular drainage material should be evaluated because the base of the landfill must function during the lifetime
of bioreactor operations. It is preferred to use pressurized drainage system rather than gravity drainage system.
Also, use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes should be preferred due to their strength and durability.

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While landfill is being converted to landfill bioreactor, leachate collection design should be evaluated to
accommodate the high volumes of leachate.
Gas Collection System Configuration
Generally, a few years after a landfill cell is completed, gas recovery and collection systems are installed.
However, the gas collection system needs to be installed either during the waste filling in the cell or immediately
after cell completion in bioreactor landfills. Furthermore, the gas collection system should be designed for using
higher volumes in a shorter time. If the gas collection system cannot operated for any breakdowns, the design
considerations should also include the pressure build up condition on geomembrane layer. Other important
point in designing and operating gas collection system is to prevent liquids entering the gas collection wells.
Cover Soil Usage
Equal distribution of recirculated leachate or liquid on the waste mass is best achieved in a homogeneous waste.
Low permeability of soil layers can impede the continuous flow of leachate. Some mass of waste may be dry
or zones of low permeability can cause localized ponding of liquids and leachate breakouts. It is important that
cover should not prevent the flow of leachate. The alternative covers may be in the form of blankets, sprays or
any other alternate material.

Figure 2. (a) A configured landfill bioreactor (b) A closed landfill bioreactor with cover soil

Waste Stream Characteristics

A homogeneous waste mass provides uniform distribution of the liquid. This type of waste stream does not
contain appreciable amounts of tires, yard waste, lumber, tree trunks and limbs, bulky waste, sludge, ash,
household hazardous wastes, or shingles etc. These heterogeneous wastes should be disposed of using different
techniques. Waste segregation may include separation of construction and demolition wastes which are
collected separately from the municipal solid waste. Pre-processing of waste like shredding, recycling and
segregation etc., before placing in a landfill may be useful to promote uniform moisture distribution and reduce
differential settlements. Breaking up the waste into small pieces using proper equipment and spreading the
waste increase the efficiency of landfill bioreactor. However it may not be cost-effective. If the waste took
place in the landfill with little compaction, thus leachate will recirculate easily. The waste settle as a result of
moisture addition, the weight of overlying layers, and waste degradation. Therefore airspace may be recovered
with time.

Figure 3. Schematic flow diagram of an anaerobic LBR

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 Operating Landfills as Bioreactor by Recirculating Leachate
C. Yaman, Y. Kucukaga, B. Pala, G. Delice

2.4. Current Situation

In recent years in Turkey, landfills took the place of the wild dumpsite and the operation of these sites is costly
for local governments. Common problems are; operating costs, lack of space, leachate problems, waste
stabilization time and landfill gas management. In addition, the landfilling of biodegradable waste is restricted
according to the regulations adopted from the EU integration process and alternative methods of waste disposal
rather than landfilllin is becoming compulsory. For these reasons, operation of the landfill as a bioreactor both
in terms of economic and environmental it becomes necessary.

2.5. Main Advantages

The primary advantages of operating landfills as a bioreactor are fast waste stabilization and better sustainable
waste management. Through in leachate recirculation into landfill, substantial amount of moisture will be added
to the waste mass, which will reduce the leachate treatment cost. It is possible to gain additional landfill space
15 to 30 percent as a result of the stabilization of waste. Landfill gas production rates are much higher in LBR’s
than conventional landfills and so landfill gas to be used in power generation can be gained economically.
The landfill bioreactors, stored wastes are stabilized in a shorter time more advantages in terms of
environmental impact. After the closure of the landfill maintenance, repair, and are more economical in terms
of risks.

3. OPERATION

3.1. How to Operate a Landfill as a Bioreactor?

Conventional landfills are operated without leachate recirculation and therefore stored wastes too degraded to
slowly and require maintenance and operation for many years. If biodegradation is accelerated, anaerobic
degradation phases which include acidic phase (fermentation), methane phase and stabilization phase, will be
shortened. Landfills are designed to be operated as a bioreactor with moisture control. Increasing rate of
moisture content of the waste mass accelerates anaerobic decomposition in landfill. Nutrients, organic matter
and microorganisms are distributed equally to the landfill by leachate recirculation. The most common methods,
to increase the moisture content of the landfill addition of liquid or leachate recirculation [10].

Figure 4. Some examples of leachate recirculation pipes that are used in LBRs

Methane gas production is increased as a result of faster waste decomposition and stabilization. Also potential
risk of groundwater pollution is decreased by controlled leachate management, therefore the required
monitoring time after the landfill is closed is shortened. There are many landfill operating strategies for
accelerating the decomposition of solid waste. These are; increasing the water content by recirculation of the
leachate [11], [12], pH control [13], [14], [15], addition of nutrient [13] etc. Some studies also suggest that co-
disposal of municipal solid wastes together with sewage sludge will the moisture content [16], [17], [18].

3.2. General Operation Procedure

Moisture Content
Addition of liquid in landfill creates an optimum environment for the microorganisms responsible for the
biodegradation of waste. In most landfills, moisture content is insufficient for microorganisms. Therefore liquid
is added to increase the moisture content to optimum level. Table 1summurizes the volume of liquid required
in gal/ton of week.

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EurAsia Waste Management Symposium, 2-4 May 2016, YTU 2010 Congress Center, İstanbul/Türkiye
Table 1. Volume of liquid required in gal/ton of waste (*by wet weight)
Initial Moisture* Moisture Content , %
% 30 35 40
15 51.4 73.8 99.9
20 34.3 55.3 79.9
25 17.1 36.9 59.9
30 - 18.4 40

Leachate Quality
The chemical properties of leachate should be determined to evaluate the conditions in the landfill bioreactor.
Some of the leachate chemical properties are; dissolved solid, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and
chemical oxygen demand (COD) which are important parameters to determine the stage of the condition of the
waste in landfill bioreactor. BOD/COD ratio of 1.0 is an indication of fresh waste in the first phase, if the ratio
is 0.1 or less, if indicates that the waste is in stabilization.
Table 2. Leachate Monitoring Parameters [19].

Parameter Category Parameter

Temperature
pH
Conductivity
Total Dissolved Solids
Alkalinity
Chloride
Bromide
Floride
Primary Leachate Monitoring Parameters
Sulfate
(Monthly)
Chemical Oxygen Demand
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Total Organic Carbon
Total Phosphorous
Ortho Phosphate
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)
Volatile Fatty Acids
Secondary Leachate Monitoring Parameters
Metals and Ions (Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium,
(Quarterly)
Calcium, Copper, Chromium, Iron, Lead,
Magnesium, Mercury, Potassium, Sodium,
Selenium, Silver and Zinc)

Temperature and pH
Optimum temperature ranges between 34 to 40oC for mesophilic microorganisms and up to 70oC for
thermophilic microorganisms. pH is an important parameter for the methane-producing bacteria. Optimum pH
range is in between 6.8 – 7.4 for the methane forming bacteria.

4. DISCUSSION

4.1. How a Bioreactor Landfill Differs from a Conventional Landfill?

Operation of a landfill bioreactor requires addition of necessary liquid to reach the field capacity of wastes. In
order to provide optimum conditions for in-situ biodegradation. However liquid addition should not be done
by randomly in LBRs. As it’s stated above, further operational changes or additions will be needed as well.
Landfill bioreactors ensure controlled stabilization of municipal solid wastes, while conventional landfills do
not. The controlled stabilization means faster degradation of biologically degradable waste. As a result of this
accelerated landfill gas production additional new volumes in waste body will be gained.

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 Operating Landfills as Bioreactor by Recirculating Leachate
C. Yaman, Y. Kucukaga, B. Pala, G. Delice

Figure 3. Gas generation rates in conventional landfill vs. landfill bioreactor

The increased landfill gas production is reached in LBRs in much shorter periods as compared to conventional
landfills (Figure 3). If the gas production is not managed correctly, it causes economic losses and environmental
damage due to uncontrolled release of landfill gas to the atmosphere. Voluntary use of landfill gas may also be
eligible for carbon credits for the landfill operator.

4.2. Possible Problems

Leachate Seepage
When the liquids are added at a high pressure or at a flow rate higher than the infiltration rate or at higher
absorption capacity of the waste mass. Seepages may be observed along the slopes of the landfills where
leachate collection layer meets the daily cover.
Landfill Slope Stability
When liquids are added in the bioreactor, internal pore water pressures have the potential to increase and thus
decrease the shear strength of the waste. Extra pressure of pore water can cause slope failures.
Temperature Control
When aerobic landfill bioreactor is operated, waste temperature is increased significantly by waste degradation
significantly. If the increased temperature is not controlled, it can cause fires. Temperature rise can be controlled
by stopping air injection thereby cutting the source of oxygen, recirculating cold leachate and completely
wetting the particular location.
Gas and Odor Control
Gas production is increased in bioreactors. If landfill gas is not controlled, odors and other environmental
problems can occur.
Fire and Explosions
The primary problem is the potential for flammability and explosive gas mixtures involving oxygen and
methane when landfill is operated as aerobic landfill bioreactor. The flammability range is between 5% and
14% for methane but this only refers to the flammability of methane with air.

5. CONLUSION
Long Term Considerations for Bioreactors

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EurAsia Waste Management Symposium, 2-4 May 2016, YTU 2010 Congress Center, İstanbul/Türkiye

It can be said that from previous experiences in full-scale of LBRs, relatively complete stabilization of waste
can be reached within 5 to 10 years. As a result of this faster stabilization period, additional disposal capacity
will be occurred. For using this additional capacity, landfill should be designed and operated in a manner where
the capacity occurs in a viable disposal. Otherwise, it would not be attractive for additional filling after landfill
area was closed and capped. Some experienced operators has been explored that temporary geomembrane caps
can be used for eliminating this problem. Temporary geomembrane caps allow economically removal. Using
of temporary geomembrane caps seems as an economically solution, because they can be easily removed from
the top of the waste body.
It is a clear result that landfill bioreactors increases the landfill gas generation rates as stated above. However,
operating a landfill as a bioreactor does not increase the total amount of LFG produced. Once the waste is
adequately stabilized the landfill will be excavated for post-treatment of curing and drying. After this, soil and
compost should be separated out for future use.
Continued liquids addition would not be necessary anymore into treated waste at some areas of waste body, but
some extent of leachate will be still produced from those areas. So that, it must be managed appropriately. This
mature leachate should be used as a source of additional water content for additional areas. When landfilling
has stopped, some form of leachate treatment will be needed as well. The mature leachate has usually very low
organic content, so that treatment technology must be designed considering that specification.

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 Operating Landfills as Bioreactor by Recirculating Leachate
C. Yaman, Y. Kucukaga, B. Pala, G. Delice

BIOGRAPHY
Cevat YAMAN Associate Prof. Dr. Cevat Yaman received his undergraduate degree in
Environmental Engineering from Istanbul Technical University in 1992 and worked as teaching
assistant for 1 year at the same university. He received his MSc (1996) and PhD degrees (2003)
in Environmental Engineering from Drexel University in USA. He worked as a field engineer
at Melick-Tully and Associates in USA from 2001 to 2002. He worked as an environmental
engineer at Roux Associates Inc. Environmental Consulting & Management in USA from 2002
to 2003. He moved back to Turkey and worked at Niğde University from 2004 to 2006. Then he
moved back to USA and worked as a project manager at RT Environmental Services in USA
from 2006 to 2007. After returning to Turkey he worked as deputy general director of
Environmental Management Directorate of Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry in
Ankara from 2008 to 2009. Then he worked as director of Environmental Protection
Department of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality from 2009 to 2013. Currently he is working as Associate Professor in
Environmental Engineering Department at Gebze Technical University. His research area includes waste management, in-
situ leachate treatment, landfill bioreactors, soil and groundwater remediation and use of geosynthetics in environmental
engineering.
He may be contacted at cevatyaman@yahoo.com.