Bioreactor Landfill for MSW Disposal in Delhi

Looking forward to the future, the ways of managing wastes will have to be improved for better environment and quality of life. It is for sure that source reduction and recycling efforts will take on increasingly important roles. However, landfill disposal will remain an essential component of the integrated waste management strategies for the foreseeable future. Significant environmental and economic benefits can be gained by making small changes in the way the landfills are operated. A bioreactor landfill changes the goal of landfilling from the storage of waste to the treatment of waste. In concept, bioreactor landfills are designed to accelerate the biological stabilization of the landfilled waste through increased moisture addition and other management techniques so as to enhance the microbial decomposition of the organic matter. The most widely used and understood method of creating a landfill bioreactor is by the recirculation of leachate. This paper presents an overview of the bioreactor landfill concept, existing relevant regulations, benefits to be derived, design and operational issues. It also gives a comparison of dry tomb landfill and bioreactor landfill for the solid waste generated in Delhi. 1.