I. Introduction
II. Open dump and environmental problems
III. Early landfills
IV. Modern landfills
V. Mariannhill Landfill, South Africa
VI. Conclusion
Introduction
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), also known as refuse, trash, rubbish or garbage, refers to a type of waste that comprises of items that are discarded by the public every day. The management of this waste has evolved over the years. This forms the basis of this essay.
Open dump and environmental problems
Open dumps are the illegally dumped and abandoned piles of refuse and garbage. These are usually in large quantities. In most countries, citizens are fined if found dumping their garbage at open dumps. These open dumps are mainly found in forests, swimming pools, abandoned buildings and forests. The reason as to why they are discouraged is because of their varied environmental effects. First, they breed pests, as well as vectors of diseases. This poses a great threat to the people in the environment. Other environmental effects include inhalation of toxic gases, …show more content…
Its idea came about in the early 1990s. There are various innovations, ideas and strategies that make this landfill ideal. First, it does not spread unpleasant odors to the people around. This is because it is separated from residential areas by 200 meters. This landfill has several cells. These cells are filled, one at a time. Before the deposition of waste in them, the earth is excavated to allow placement of a four-tier barrier system. This protects the soil and drinking water from pollutants. Also, the Leachate treatment occurs for every 30cubic meters of Leachate. This lessens the municipal sewer load. One of the most vital innovations of this landfill had to involve the UN. They use the methane gas that is produced, for the production of electricity. This is a step that proves the efficiency of this landfill and its