Proceedings

An experimental trial was carried out within the framework of ELIA research program conducted by CREED in order to assess the environmental impacts generated by the Mechanical Biological Pretreatment (MBP) prior to landfilling. Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) were composted during 25 weeks by means of an experimental forced aeration device. A particular interest was given to solid matter sampling and to the flow measurements (liquid and gaseous emissions). In order to reach this latter goal a top and bottom liner covered the windrow. 30 % of mass loss on a wet basis was obtained after 25 weeks. The methane formation potential has been reduced by 90 % to be only of 10 NL/kg of dry substances. Although leachate was highly loaded, total organic components which were released in liquid phase were negligible (< 0.5 ‰) compared to organic matter quantities contained in MSW.

KEY WORDS Environmental impacts, Landfill, Mass balance, Mechanical Biological Pretreatment, Municipal solid waste, Stability parameters.