8 Questions
What is the primary reason why the United States prohibits ocean disposal of waste?
The environmental damage done by ocean disposal is now understood
What was the primary method of waste disposal in the United States until the mid-l970s?
Open dumps
What was the purpose of setting the refuse on fire in open dumps?
To prolong the life of the dump
What is the main difference between open dumps and sanitary landfills?
The way the waste is disposed of
What is the term used to describe the method of burying refuse in a lined pit and covering it with an earthen cover?
Sanitary landfill
What is the purpose of compacting soil in a sanitary landfill?
To create a stable surface for the final cover
How are sanitary landfills typically built?
In units called cells
What is the typical thickness of the daily cover in a sanitary landfill?
6-12 inches
Study Notes
Disposal Methods
- The only two realistic options for disposal are in the oceans and on land.
- Ocean disposal is prohibited by federal law in the United States and many developed nations due to environmental damage.
Evolution of Land Disposal
- Until the mid-1970s, a solid waste disposal facility was often a simple dump site.
- Dumps were inexpensive and straightforward, with trucks emptying loads at a designated spot.
- The volume was occasionally reduced by setting the refuse on fire, prolonging the dump's life.
Issues with Dumps
- Dumps posed serious public health and aesthetic problems, including:
- Rodents
- Odor
- Insects
- Air pollution
- Dangers from open fires
Sanitary Landfills
- The term "sanitary landfill" originated from the burial of waste ammunition after World War II.
- Sanitary landfills are engineered operations, designed and operated according to acceptable standards.
- The process involves:
- Compacting refuse in a lined pit
- Covering compacted refuse with an earthen cover
- Daily cover is 6-12 inches thick, and a final cover is at least 2ft thick.
- Landfills are built in units called cells.
Landfill Operations
- The process involves multiple stages, including:
- Siting
- Design
- Operation
- Closing
- Closed landfills can be repurposed as:
- Golf courses
- Playgrounds
- Tennis courts
- Winter recreation areas
- Parks and greenbelts
Learn about the environmental impact of waste disposal and the shift from ocean to land disposal methods. This chapter explores the evolution of waste management, from dumps to modern facilities.
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