Evaluation of Properties of Municipal Solid Waste

Municipal Solid Waste is a complex earth material. It is variable, it is fiber-reinforced due to the numerous waste inclusions, has properties that change with time due to physical, chemical and microbial processes, and has many similarities with peats in terms of its compressibility and shear resistance. Due to the size of its waste constituents, large-size equipment is necessary to capture its field behavior. Understanding the mechanical properties of municipal solid waste is key to assessing the stability of MSW landfills, under static or dynamic conditions. Research over the last 10+ years has focused on assessing the unit weight, compressibility, shear strength and dynamic properties of MSW with a focus on quantification of variability using unique laboratory as well as field experimental setups and procedures. This understanding promotes an improved understanding of MSW behavior and leads to enhanced safety, efficiency and reliability of the operation of modern landfills, such as “dry-tomb”, as well as bioreactor landfills.