Estimation of Post-closure Care Period through Collection and Analysis of Landfill Leachate Quality Data

Abstract

Due to advances in waste treatment technology and changes in environmental regulations, the evaluation criteria for final disposal sites are becoming more diverse. The release of pollutants from landfills of incinerator ash is different from that of landfills of food waste （decomposition of organic matter） and therefore requires new evaluation methods. Currently, the evaluation methods are being reviewed to reflect the actual conditions at disposal sites, and the judgment criteria for leachate quality are also scheduled to be revised. In this paper, we introduce the changes in leachate quality at final disposal sites over several decades to show that appropriate management and analysis of measurement data are beneficial to the efficiency of maintenance and management. In addition, as it is expected that the high pH of leachate at coastal disposal sites will continue for hundreds of years or more, we discuss the concept of the post-closure care period while comparing it with that of land disposal sites.