Landfill mining and waste characterization: a strategy for remediation of contaminated areas

Abstract

This article describes landfill-mining tests, including excavation, screening, and fraction characterization, carried out in the MÅsalycke and Gladsax landfills for municipal solid waste (MSW) in Sweden. The excavated waste in these two sites was 17–22 and 23–25 years old, respectively. The main part of MÅsalycke was unaffected by degradation, and during excavations no substantial amount of biogas was detected. After screening, three size fractions were obtained: <18 mm, 18–50 mm, and >50 mm. Soil amendment and anaerobic digestion with energy extraction are suggested for the first and second fraction, respectively. Incineration with energy recovery is possible with the third fraction after any coarse (inert) material is removed, and construction/demolition waste can easily be recycled provided that it is not contaminated by hazardous material. Excavated waste taken from different depths was also analysed and compared in relation to composition, calorific value, and leachate constituents.