1. Landfills Geography 12 Kala Renard

2. The use of a Landfill Also known as a dump or tip
Disposal of organized waste material
Temporary storage
Consolidation and transfer
Processing waste material (sorting, treatment, recycling)

3. Parts of a Landfill
Bottom liner system - separates trash and subsequent leachate from groundwater
Cells (old and new) - where the trash is stored within the landfill
Storm water drainage system - collects rain water that falls on the landfill
Leachate collection system - collects water that has percolated through the landfill itself and contains contaminating substances (leachate)
Methane collection system - collects methane gas that is formed during the breakdown of trash
Covering or cap - seals off the top of the landfill

4. A Vancouver landfill Located in Delta, British Columbia
Owned and operated by Vancouver City
Serves approx. 940,000 residents
475,000 tones of municipal solid is deposited each year

5. Positive Landfill Impacts
Confined to a small area
Compacted to reduce the volume
Covered (usually daily) with layers of soil

6. Negative Landfill Impacts
Contamination of groundwater and/or aquifers
Offgassing of methane generated by decaying organic wastes
Harbouring of disease vectors
Environmental noise

7. Location Requirements
Easy access to transport by road
Transfer stations if railroad is preferred
Land value
Cost of meeting government requirements
Location of community

8. Government Action/Solution
Annual clean-up programs
Alternating disposal and recycling locations
Asbestos ( quantities exceeding 1% of weight) policies
Prohibited wastes such as explosive substances

9. My point of view/Solutions
Landfills appear to be the only solution at the moment of depositing wasted materials.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Host Green parties in your community
Circle petitions

10. Interesting Facts
Each year more than 3,600 tonnes of recyclable material is collected at the Vancouver Landfill residential drop-off
Recycling one aluminum can save enough energy to run a television for three hours
Every ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water, and 4,100 kilowatts of electricity
When a landfill closes, the site has to be monitored and maintained up to 30 years