Whenever you drive by a landfill, you probably don’t think of much except for the unmistakable smell. However, these waste management systems aren’t just trash heaps. The design that goes into landfill construction is a complex process that requires the assistance of an excavation contractor. To learn more about the components of a landfill and how they take care of your trash, dive into the following guide.

The 6 Components of Landfills

1. Bottom Liner System

At the very base of a landfill is a plastic liner. This serves as a reliable barrier between the trash and the surrounding soil, so the waste doesn’t leak into the groundwater and pollute the local drinking supply. An excavation contractor can discuss with you how exactly this should be laid out.

2. Cells

The trash inside a landfill is divided into separate units or cells. Each cell contains one day’s worth of trash. While just 50 by 50 feet in size, these spaces can hold up to 2,500 tons of trash. The trash inside the cells is compressed, covered with soil, and compacted again to contain the waste.

3. Storm Water Drainage

This component is responsible for collecting rainwater that falls on the landfill. It is comprised of plastic pipes, storm liners, and ditches to prevent the trash from getting soggy and producing contaminants from trash dissolved in water.

4. Leachate Collection System

While the stormwater drainage system will prevent excess leachate from forming, there will always be some to deal with. Luckily, the leachate collection system gathers water that has percolated throughout the landfill and is filled with contaminants like metals, chemicals, and biological waste. It is essentially a network of perforated pipes, which drain into a pond. After this, the leachate is tested and treated.

5. Methane Collection System

Another byproduct of landfills is methane, which is a foul-smelling, flammable gas produced when trash decomposes. This gas is also collected through a system of pipes before being vented or burned off.

6. Covering or Cap

After the cells are covered with soil and compacted, they are covered with a polyethylene cap, which is followed by more soil. This synthetic material prevents pests from sneaking into the landfill and gases from being released into the atmosphere.

 

In the Somerset, KY, area, Weddle Enterprises is the go-to excavation contractor for landfill construction. In addition to clearing and carving out the land, they will provide on-site management to ensure every detail of the project goes according to plan. They are also proud to work on demolition, debris removal, and utility projects. To learn more about their services, visit the website, or call (606) 678-4057 today.