A review of the airborne and waterborne emissions from uncontrolled solid waste disposal sites

ABSTRACT

The objective of this review is to critically analyze literature, data, and models on the environmental releases from the uncontrolled disposal and burning of solid waste. Major concerns include releases of greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and leachate. Many factors influence these releases including waste composition, site depth, and climate. While the impact of these factors is understood qualitatively, there is little data and considerable uncertainty in model predictions. One limitation is that in general, predicted emissions are not responsive to changes in waste composition. Estimating impacts to human health and the environment from the predicted emissions results in additional uncertainty.

KEYWORDS:

• Environmental impacts
• open burning
• open dumps
• solid waste
• uncontrolled landfills