Landfill leachate production, quality and recirculation treatment in northeast China

Landfill leachate recirculation treatment process is a promising and economic way in northeast China due to the distinct season variation. In order to study the impact of recirculation on leachate production and its quality, two simulated sanitary landfill reactors, one with leachate recirculation and the other without, were placed outdoor in Harbin. The two-year experimental results indicated that leachate production was reduced by 86% with leachate recirculation and less or no facility for leachate treatment required. Recirculation could improve the leachate quality dramatically with lower COD, SS, NF4-N and higher pH level. Recirculation also could enhance waste degradation and stabilization and improve the efficiency of landfill. This study confirmed that leachate recirculation was a very feasible way for on-site landfill leachate treatment in cold areas.