Landfill Design & Operation

A landfill is a disposal area in which non-liquid hazardous waste is placed in or on the land. Most landfill areas must have a liner system for all portions of the landfill to prevent the movement of waste out of the landfill and into the surrounding soil or water supply. There are some exceptions to this rule, including pre-existing landfills and landfills in which it can be proven that the characteristics of the location itself will prevent any waste movement.

Landfills constructed after early 1992 must have at least two liners and a leachate collection system. The required liners prevent seepage of hazardous materials into groundwater or surface water. As with other hazardous waste management systems, the owner or operator is responsible for ensuring that systems are present to collect and control the run-off from precipitation. The blowing of hazardous material into the surrounding air must also be controlled.

To learn more about RCRA safety standards visit our RCRA Refresher Online Training web page.