Investigation of the biological activity in MSW landfills under dry climates (Tunisia and Haiti)

in Kocasoy, G.; Atabarut, T.; Nuhoglu, I. (Eds.) Appropriate environmental and solid waste management and technologies for developing countries (2002)

This paper presents the results of the investigations carried out over two years (April 2000 – February 2002) to quantify the biological activity that develops in four municipal solid waste landfills ... [more ▼]

This paper presents the results of the investigations carried out over two years (April 2000 – February 2002) to quantify the biological activity that develops in four municipal solid waste landfills located in different regions of two dry climate countries i.e. Haiti and Tunisia. Since the climatic water balance is negative (potential evapotranspiration being 1.5 to 5 times higher than rainfall), it has often been considered that this kind of landfill has neither environmental impact nor efficient biological activity. However, after five campaigns of sampling and analysis at different seasons, the results of the investigations show a relatively stable biological activity in the four landfills with biogas often containing more than 60 percent of methane. Indeed, under the upper waste layer that was effectively dry (dry weight from 85 to 98 %), the core of refuse contained between 35 and 65 % of dry matter. In some boreholes, the produced gases periodically expelled leachates like small geysers. Therefore, the results assert that landfill management in countries with dry climate should be considered with adapted technologies, not necessary the same as under temperate or humid climates. [less ▲]

Atlas of MSW landfills and dumpsites in developing countries

in Christensen; Cossu; Stegmann (Eds.) Proceedings Sardinia 01, Eight International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium (2001)

This paper presents the results of a five-year experience in collecting data's on landfills and dumpsites in developing countries. At present time, information about 81 landfills from 12 countries has ... [more ▼]

This paper presents the results of a five-year experience in collecting data's on landfills and dumpsites in developing countries. At present time, information about 81 landfills from 12 countries has been collected. The main partners of this project are Tunisia, Haiti, Senegal and Burkina Faso. Besides those factual partnerships, new collaboration projects are being discussed with Guinea, Cuba, Vietnam and Kuwait. The data are gathered in the Atlas of MSW landfills and dumpsites in developing countries and are published on the Internet (http://www.ulg.ac.be/cwbi/index.htm). The purpose of such a project is to keep in memory the existence and characterisation of the main landfills and dumpsites in order to allow the identification and the management of their negative impacts on the environment. Moreover, it will be useful to set up proper rehabilitation projects. This work has already received the positive support of people involved in waste management in West Africa. [less ▲]

La problématique de la gestion des déchets ménagers en République d'Haïti

Conference (1999, September)

La décharge, un bioréacteur à gérer - La problématique des déchets solides dans les villes africaines d'importances moyenne

in Actes de l'Atelier de formation et d'échanges d'expériences "Pour un développement durable au Rwanda - Les déchets comme matières premières" (1997, June)