Long Term Landfill Primary and Secondary Leachate Production

Abstract

This study evaluated long term primary and secondary leachate production from operating landfills in the northeastern United States. The data were obtained for periods when the landfills were in use (open) and were covered (closed). During the open period of operation, primary leachate production was 64% of the precipitation that fell on the site. After landfill cell closure, the primary leachate production declined and, four years after closure, such production reached quasi-equilibrium and averaged 2% of the precipitation. For secondary leachate production during the open and closed period, such production was 1 and 0.25% of the precipitation, respectively.