Modern landfill system
Use this interactive to identify the components of a modern landfill system. Drag and drop the text labels onto the diagram.
Use this interactive to identify some of the components in a landfill, many of which are designed for environmental monitoring and protection.
Drag and drop the text labels onto the landfill diagram. If you want to redo an answer, click on the box and the answer will go back to the top so you can move it to another box. If you want to check your answers, use the reset incorrect button. This will reset incorrect answers only. When you are happy with your selection, use the check answers button to check them. Use reset all to practise again from the start.
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Use this interactive with these activities below:
Parts of a modern landfill system
Labels
Description
Lining
A combination of heavy HDPE and geotextile mats line the landfill walls and/or cells.
Open cells
Larger landfills have cells that are filled progressively. When a cell is full, a new cell is opened.
Soil layer
In large landfills, soil is used as a daily cover. The volume is between 4:1 and 5:1 waste to soil cover.
Old cells
When a cell is filled to capacity, it is capped and restoration begins.
Compacted clay
Clay forms an impermeable layer, much like a plastic liner. Some practices see 600 mm of clay compacted to a 150 mm layer.
Gravel
Pea-sized gravel is placed over the linings on the bottom and slopes of the landfill and/or each cell.
Leachate pipes
Perforated PVC pipes collect leachate – liquid that filters through the waste. Leachate is pumped out and treated.
Groundwater
Ideally, the landfill system is above the saturated zone. Otherwise, special systems drain the groundwater.
Groundwater monitoring
Groundwater around the landfill is regularly tested to ensure the system is functioning as designed.
