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. "Leachate" is any liquid that is drained through or from waste. The required liners prevent seepage of hazardous materials into ground 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, up to that of the volume and duration of a 24-hour 25-year storm. The blowing of hazardous material must also be controlled.

To learn more about RCRA visit our RCRA Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.