LANDFILL SITES BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER FILLING

Waste disposal is big business. Some 20 million tonnes of household and commercial waste is disposed of each year in the United Kingdom. A similar quantity of industrial waste — some of it hazardous — requires treatment and disposal. Household, commercial and industrial wastes as defined in the Control of Pollution Act 1974 are known as controlled wastes. In addition there are vast quantities of mining and quarry wastes. Approximately 90 per cent of all these materials is landfilled in its crude state. Much of the remainder is landfilled after treatment. Clearly, then, the proper selection, preparation, operation and aftercare of landfill sites is of paramount importance. Landfill is popular because it is significantly less costly than other methods of disposal — indeed it is the only option for a wide range of wastes. It must not, however, be regarded or perceived as a cheap and nasty option. Many professional disciplines and skills are involved in the sequence from site selection through to aftercare. Among these are geology, hydrogeology, property purchase, civil, mechanical and gas engineering, chemistry and agriculture. If landfill is to retain and deserve its pre‐eminent position, every step must be taken to the highest professional standards.