Operating a landfill site

How do we decide where to put a landfill site?

In the past a landfill site could be situated anywhere. Farmers used rubbish to level out their land and councils used their own land for landfilling. When East Sussex County Council was formed in 1974 we took responsibility for landfill. Many small sites closed and rubbish was taken to the sites operated by the council. It can be difficult to choose a new site because often a public enquiry has to be held before applying for planning permission.

How is a landfill site constructed?

Originally landfill sites had little preparation before being filled with rubbish. To protect the environment, sites were lined with clay to contain any liquid.

Now, new landfill sites have a thick plastic lining. This allows leachate to be collected and removed from site, reducing the impact of sites on the surrounding area.

How is the rubbish deposited?

When a vehicle arrives at a landfill site it is weighed and the type of waste is recorded. The rubbish is then tipped onto the site and a compactor is driven backwards and forwards over it. This compresses the rubbish to make space for more.

How long is a site used for?

The lifetime of a site depends on its size. It is possible to calculate the volume of waste that the site will be able to accept. Once this has been reached the site will be closed and no more rubbish will be tipped there.

What happens when a site is full up?

When a landfill site is full the land is restored. The rubbish is covered and the top of the site is sealed. Sites used to be sealed with clay but now heavy-duty plastic liners are used. Soil is then placed on top allowing the site to be grassed over and trees planted.

What is the future for landfill in East Sussex?

New planning laws have greatly reduced the number of landfill sites across the country. There are now only two landfill sites in East Sussex. Pebsham landfill site at St Leonards operated by Biffa Waste Services and Beddingham Landfill Site near Lewes, operated by Viridor Waste Management. It is estimated that both of these sites will be full by 2008.

With landfill running out, it is vital that we reduce the amount of rubbish that we produce. This can be achieved through recycling and re-using instead of throwing away. Find out about where to recycle.