The environmental protection and impermeable geomembrane project explains how many steps are involved in landfill construction.

Release date:

2016-08-23

Of course, these broad steps cannot capture all the operational details of a landfill; for instance, rigorously controlling the exposed surface of waste, as well as disinfection and odor control within the facility, are essential components of proper landfill management. Sanitary landfilling is, indeed, a highly technical undertaking!

1. Waste Entry
　　Non-recyclable or non-compostable municipal solid waste is transported by garbage trucks to a landfill, where it is inspected and then automatically weighed by computer.
2. Landfill Site Construction
　　Prior to construction, landfill sites must be carefully prepared. From site selection to detailed engineering design, every step is meticulously planned. The landfill area’s foundation and surrounding perimeter are reinforced with impermeable clay layers, and an impermeable geomembrane is installed to prevent leachate from seeping into the ground. This geomembrane is exceptionally durable and remains intact for decades, so there is no need to worry about soil or groundwater contamination from waste.
3. Leveling and compaction of waste
　　After waste is deposited in the landfill pit, it is repeatedly spread and compacted, significantly increasing its density. The leachate generated by the waste is conveyed through pipelines to a dedicated treatment facility.
4. Complete site closure
　　Once each landfill cell is completely filled, we cover it entirely with a layer of soil and plant trees to integrate it seamlessly with the surrounding environment, while conducting long-term, rigorous monitoring of its environmental impacts.
5. Landfill Gas Collection
　　In the sealed landfill area, anaerobic decomposition of organic waste generates substantial mixed gases—such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. These gases are conveyed to the power plant via a network of vertical and horizontal gas wells that crisscross the waste layers.
6. Landfill Gas Power Generation
　　After gas purification, the gas is combusted to power an internal‑combustion engine. The electricity generated by the engine is used partly for on‑site consumption and partly fed into the national grid. Additionally, the waste heat from combustion can be transferred via heat exchangers to nearby district heating networks or to industrial and agricultural equipment.
　　Of course, these broad steps cannot capture all the operational details of a landfill; for instance, rigorously controlling the exposed surface of waste, as well as disinfection and odor control within the facility, are essential components of proper landfill management. Sanitary landfilling is, indeed, a highly technical undertaking!