Stabilization of Solid Waste in Landfills

A method for the analysis of refuse stability has been developed and tested by analyzing refuse obtained directly from test lysimeters and actual landfills across the United States. Refuse samples from test lysimeters are analyzed to develop the procedures and to test the concepts involved. Results obtained from actual landfill situations are compared to those obtained from the test lysimeters of known refuse age in order to determine the degree of refuse stability in each landfill in relation to depth and location. Each landfill was analyzed as to how environmental conditions such as pH, moisture content, and remaining organic content are affected by location and depth. Also, the results obtained from landfills of different geographical locations, different climatic situations, and different configurations are compared. Because the ultimate use of a sanitary landfill site is of prime concern, the rate of refuse stabilization is important to know from the standpoints of future leachate production, methane gas generation, and differential settlement.