SOLID-WASTES RESEARCH

This paper reviewed and analyzed results of recent research activities pertaining to characterization, treatment, and disposal methods of so lid wastes. Although landfill gas emissions, liner materials minimizin g pollutants emissions, leachate characterization, and treatment are a ctively studied, only few have studied the quantity, compositions, phy sicochemical and biological characteristics of landfilled solid wastes . Science and engineering of composting for solid wastes are under int ense investigation by many researchers with generally two objectives: a) to convert biodegradable solid wastes into valuable, nutrient-rich composts for various end-use applications or b) to remediate soils or wastes contaminated with hazardous organic contaminants by composting (remediation composting). While the first has been already used in man y areas at field scales to minimize solid waste problems, the latter i s still in research stage. Once the remediation composting is proven f or its efficacy, it will provide an efficient, environment-friendly me ans of treating contaminated wastes.