A leachate recycle system was constructed and operated at an existing
lined landfill in North-Central Florida to observe the effects of leac
hate recycle on landfill stabilization. Samples of leachate, landfill
gas, and landfilled solid waste were collected and analyzed throughout
a four-year period, before and after the start of leachate recycle. T
he settlement of landfilled waste was also measured in wetted and dry
areas of the landfill. Leachate quality was not dramatically impacted
by leachate recycle. Moisture content was significantly greater in the
area of the landfill subjected to leachate recycle. Waste temperature
and pH measurements indicated that conditions suitable for anaerobic
decomposition were present in both the treated and untreated areas. Me
asurements of solid waste biochemical methane potential and subsidence
showed that a greater degree of landfill stabilization had occurred i
n the leachate recycle area relative to the untreated area.