Bioreactor landfill and cleaner production as adequate tools for the remediation of Palestinian landfills

Abstract

Municipal landfills remain the predominant and most economical method of waste
disposal in Palestine; however present some potential public and environmental threats.
This paper proposes a suggested bioreactor landfill project and presents the cleaner
production as adequate remediation strategies for Palestinian landfills aiming at
environmental protection and expansion of the landfills life cycle. The case of Ramallah
municipal landfill (RML), one of the largest old uncontrolled, dumpsite in Palestine is
discussed. The leachate quantity, characteristics, possible environmental impacts,
leachate treatment and disposal and reasonable remediation options were investigated.
Despite high organic contents in the municipal waste, the climate in Ramallah district
(small annual rainfall, high evaporation rates and warm temperature) tends to produce
concentrated leachate and small leachate quantities. However, infiltration and discharge
of both leachate and stormwater without a prior reasonable treatment give rise to serious
environmental problems including aquatic and public health risks. Containment of old
dumpsites, applying a bioreactor landfill approach with leachate treatment and recycling,
waste recycling and cleaner production in the industrial sector form sustainable options
for environmental protection. Lastly, the feasibility and cost effectiveness of possible
remediation options are analyzed.