Vom Deponierückbau bis zum landfill mining - eine Synthese internationaler Untersuchungen

Abstract

Remediation of landfill sites is a possibility for preventing the pollution risk for ground and surface water. Increasing raw-materials prices in the years 2003 to 2008 have triggered discussions in Germany regarding the possibility of excavating landfill sites with the aim of recovering recyclable material. The main factors in terms of economic feasibility are in this case the substance composition of a landfill site and the regional recycling infrastructure. Points of great importance are the concentrations of metals and materials of high calorific value such as synthetics and wood, as well as expensive disposals of hazardous waste and non-recyclable fractions such as mineral substances. Large proportions of mineral constituents pose recycling problems. Substantial transport distances including the environmental impact may be involved, depending on the network and development of the recycling infrastructure. Experience gathered so far has shown that the substance composition of landfills and the present raw-material prices are unlikely to make landfill mining, with the aim of material recycling, appear economical in the foreseeable future. But the results of our case studies also show that landfill-site remediation intended to safeguard a reliable drinking-water supply is not only useful in terms of health protection but is also economically justified. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.