Geo-environmental prospectives and development plans for a new MSW landfill site using tirechips as leachate drainage material

Inadequate disposal of MSW had been identified as the major part of environmental problems in the study area emphasizing the need of proper and scientific management of the MSW generated. Jalandhar city is currently also facing problems of waste tire disposal due to very rapid increase in number of vehicles during last four decades. Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar is now working for the establishment of a new MSW landfill facility in Jamsher near Jalandhar city. Environmental Impact Assessment and designing of landfill components were performed for the new site based upon the past experiences of existing sites in the regions. For the new site, waste scrap tires had been proposed as alternative MSW landfill leachate drainage material based upon initial characterization, relative performance under incremental overburden pressure levels and adequate drainage capability for relatively longer duration. Construction of landfill basal drainage layers using shredded/chipped vehicle tires instead of natural aggregates may be both environmentally and economically beneficial. Tire shreds/chips, if used as leachate drainage material will provide protection of the environment and public health. Shredded/chipped vehicle tires are of comparatively light weight and of high hydraulic conductivity hence are capable of providing relatively free drainage for relatively longer periods even under high overburden pressure (stress) levels anticipated in all MSW landfills, due to regular addition of MSW over the bottom drainage layer materials.