A city of 60,000 people generates 50,000 tons of MSW per year. At current recovery and recycling rates, 21 percent of that MSW is recovered or recycled and the rest goes to a landfill. Suppose also that the landfill density is 1000 lb/yd3, cell depth is 12 ft, and 75 percent of a cell is actual MSW (balance is fill and cover material)
a. What lift area would be required per year?
b. The current landfill site covers 50 acres, including 5 acres needed for access roads and auxiliary facilities, and has completed one lift on the site of solid waste. If two more lifts are envisioned before closure, how long would it take to complete the landfill?