Results of an experimental system for study of landfill disposal of approximately 0.3 cum of domestic refuse are provided. The study evaluated not only traditional landfill decomposition as represented by single pass of water originating from rainfall but also recirculation of the collected leachate. Sewage sludge addition to the solid waste and pH control of the recirculated leachate were also evaluated. Biological and physical-chemical methods for treatment of leachates, especially those derived from the stabilized solid waste undergoing leachate recirculation were also evaluated. Analysis of about three years of data indicated that leachate recirculation was very beneficial in accelerating the removal of at least the readily available organics from the refuse and leachate. This rate of removal, accomplished over a period of months for the recirculated units as compared to the traditional, single pass unit, was further enhanced by the initial addition of sewage sludge and by pH control. The leachate treatment studies indicated that either aerobic or anaerobic biological processes successfully remove leachate organics and that the effluent residuals could be polished by activated carbon adsorption and/or ion exchange either separately or in combination.

Report prepared by School of Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia. Includes bibliographical references (pages 102-103).