12 Landfill GL PDF

Government of Ghana
Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development

Environmental Protection Agency
Landfill
Guidelines
May 2002
Table of Contents
1
Introduction ...................................................................................................................1
1.1 Context .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 General Overview and Principles ......................................................................................... 2
1.4 Landfill Development Critical Factors ................................................................................ 4
Policy, Institutional and Regulatory Framework .........................................................7

2.1 Policy ..................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Institutional Framework ......................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Regulatory Framework.......................................................................................................... 8
Landfill Classification .................................................................................................12

3.1 The Waste Stream .............................................................................................................. 12
3.2 Problems to be Addressed by Landfills and Improved Dumping ....................................... 13
3.3 Types of Landfill .................................................................................................................. 14
3.4 Phasing ............................................................................................................................... 17
3.5 Special Considerations ....................................................................................................... 17
Landfill Site Identification ...........................................................................................19

4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 19
4.2 Preliminary Considerations ................................................................................................. 19
4.3 Public Participation ............................................................................................................. 20
4.4 Site Selection Process ........................................................................................................ 21
4.5 Public Debate ...................................................................................................................... 30
4.6 Scoping Report and Application for Environmental Permit ................................................ 30
4.7 Detailed Site Investigations ................................................................................................ 30
4.8 Feasibility Report, Including Environmental Impact Statement .......................................... 31
4.9 Final decision ...................................................................................................................... 32
4.10 Site Acquisition.................................................................................................................... 32
Design of Landfills ......................................................................................................33

5.1 General Design Considerations .......................................................................................... 33
5.2 Design Parameters for Sanitary and HDA Landfills ........................................................... 33
5.3 Design Parameters for Improved Dumping (Mechanical and Manual) .............................. 38
Upgrading Existing Dumping Sites ............................................................................42

6.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 42
6.2 Site Assessment and Planning ........................................................................................... 42
6.3 Immediate Actions .............................................................................................................. 43
6.4 Upgrading............................................................................................................................ 44
6.5 Closure of Abandoned Dumps............................................................................................ 44
Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................46

7.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 46
7.2 Operations........................................................................................................................... 46
7.3 General Maintenance and Control ...................................................................................... 48
7.4 Overall Management........................................................................................................... 51
7.5 Specific Requirements for Sanitary/HDA Landfills ............................................................. 54
7.6 Specific Requirements for Improved Dumping (Mechanical/Manual) ................................ 55
7.7 Landfill Equipment Requirements ....................................................................................... 56
Landfill Closure, Restoration and Aftercare ..............................................................57

8.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 57
8.2 Aftercare.............................................................................................................................. 57
8.3 Closure and End-Use.......................................................................................................... 57
8.4 Closure Plan........................................................................................................................ 57
8.5 Closure and Post-Closure Care Approval Requirements ................................................... 58
8.6 Disruption of Landfills.......................................................................................................... 58
8.7 Restoration .......................................................................................................................... 58
List of References .............................................................................................................................60

Annex A:
Annex B:
Annex C:
Annex D:
Sample Landfill Operation Agreement .....................................................................61

Sample Application for a Landfill Operating Licence ..........................................68
Waste Classification for Landfilling ..........................................................................69
Glossary of Technical Terms......................................................................................70
Foreword
Ghana is currently facing a considerable challenge in the area of solid waste management.
This challenge stems from the fact that the generation of solid waste has been increasing
steadily over recent years, particularly in the urban areas. Solid waste management
problems in the country may be attributed to high population growth, inadequate resource
allocation and shortage of skilled manpower, amongst other factors. As a result, the various
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are unable to cope with the volume of solid
waste generated.
It is pertinent to note that solid waste disposal in the country to date has largely been by way
of poorly controlled dumping in any convenient place such as abandoned quarry sites,
valleys, beaches and drains. These dumping sites, which are an eyesore and a major threat
to human health and the environment, are worlds apart from modern landfill practice, where
risks to health and the environment are effectively managed.
Against this background, and in view of the increasing pressure on groundwater resources,
which can suffer long-term damage from poor solid waste dumping practices, the time has
come for guidelines to be established for the safe disposal of domestic solid waste in the
country.
It is obvious that better waste management practices, as set out in this document, have
significant cost implications. However, the Guidelines have been systematically and
pragmatically prepared, categorising the landfills according to their potential to pollute and
setting out a time period over which the improvements are to be realised. This therefore
provides for some element of affordability while at the same time achieving the overall
objectives.
I would like to acknowledge the commendable work done by the Built Environment
Department of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Human Settlement and
Environment Division of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and their
consultants Carl Bro, as well as other governmental institutions, NGOs, the District
Assemblies and private enterprises who provided valuable and constructive comments,
criticisms and suggestions on the draft Guidelines. These have all assisted in developing
these guidelines, both through discussions at a national workshop and through written
responses. These, being the first Landfill Guidelines, should be subject to periodic review to
maintain their social environmental and economic relevance within the context of the
countrys long-term planning framework.
Part of the legislative framework underlying these Guidelines is already in place, and the
remainder will soon be enacted. All stakeholders in waste management in the country, both
Governmental and non-governmental, are therefore strongly urged to start using the
Guidelines as a basis for the selection, design, construction, management and monitoring of
any new sites and also for the closure or upgrading of existing ones as warranted.
Prof. Dominic Fobih

Minister of
Environment and Science
Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu
Minister of Local Government
and Rural Development
Acknowledgements
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Local Government and
Rural Development (MLGRD) would like to thank all those individuals, organisations,
Ministries, District Assemblies, sector agencies and institutions who have contributed to the
success of preparing these guidelines.
We wish also to acknowledge the efforts of Dr. P.C. Acquah, the former Executive Director of
the EPA, through whose efforts the initial version of these Guidelines came into being.
We would also like to commend members of the Built Environment Network Committee,
particularly members of the Landfill Guidelines Sub-Committee, without whose effort this
document would not have been accomplished. They include the following:
1. Mr. J.A. Allotey
2. Okyeame Ampadu Agyei
3. Mr. Samuel Anku
4. Mr. Charles Asare
5. Mrs. Emelia Brew-Butler
6. Mr. John Pwamang
7. Mr. William Hayfron-Acquah
8. Ms. Mavis Owusu
9. Mr. Johnie Nyametso
10. Mr. Michael Anyormi
11. Mr. William Agyemang-Bonsu
12. Mr. A.Y. Nawurah
13. Mr. Louis Agbe
14. Mr. Samuel Allotey
15. Mr. Peter Hawkins
16. Mr. Nat Armah
17. Dr. Dela Attipoe
18. Mr. Collins Annoh
19. Mr. Lukman Salifu
20. Dr. Anthony Osam-Duodu
21. Mr. Victor J. Amamoo
22. Major T.N.K. Awuah (rtd.)
23. Madam Magaret Abowen
24. Ms. Mavis Ablordeppey
25. Ms. Angela Cudjoe
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
EPA
MEST
MLGRD
MLGRD
MLGRD/Carl Bro
MLGRD/Carl Bro
MLGRD/Carl Bro
Colan Consult
World Bank Water & Sanitation Programme
Department of Urban Roads
Technical Services Centre, MWH
Waste Management Department, AMA
NALAG
Secretary, EPA
Secretary, EPA
1 Introduction
1.1 Context
Recent years have seen an upsurge in concern for the management of municipal solid waste
in Ghana. This growing concern is the result of the escalating production of municipal solid
waste, especially in the large urban areas. Based on an estimated population of 20 million
and an average daily waste production per capita of 0.45 kg, Ghana generates annually
about 3.3 million tons of solid waste. Accra for instance, with an estimated population of
about 3 million and a floating population of around 300,000, generates about 1,500 tons of
solid waste per day. The quantities of waste generated are increasing rapidly and may
double by the next decade.
Currently, the various District Assemblies are unable to cope with the quantities of waste
generated. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly, for instance, is only able to collect about 55%
of solid waste generated within the city. In the face of increasing costs for waste collection,
transportation and disposal in addition to the ever more distant location of new disposal sites,
the already poor collection performance may deteriorate even further. Moreover, municipal
solid waste disposal practices in Ghana in the past have not been environmentally friendly.
Municipal solid waste has been disposed of anywhere anyhow without regard to the
nuisance and harm caused to the environment. All kinds of wastes, regardless of their
nature, are being dumped indiscriminately without due regard to the nuisance and harm
caused to the environment, in depressions, low spots such as sand pits, old quarries,
beaches, drains and even, in certain areas, along streets. There is presently not a single
well engineered landfill in the country. All this despite the heavy environmental and health
costs of inadequate solid waste disposal.
As for many developing countries (and indeed developed countries, e.g. USA 70%, UK 85%)
disposal of waste onto land remains the main route for final disposal. However, the disposal
of waste onto land has the potential to cause hard to correct environmental pollution and
pose risks to human health. This, together with the difficulty of securing suitable land within
economic distance of the ever-expanding urban centres, makes improved management of
existing dump sites and the imposition of minimum acceptable standards to guide the
development and operation of new landfills indispensable.
Improved waste disposal is also called for by the Governments Environmental Sanitation
Policy, in pursuit of the development and maintenance of a clean, safe and pleasant physical
environment in all human settlements to promote the social, economic and physical wellbeing of all sections of the population. The policy has as one of its strategic objectives the
identification and dissemination of cost effective, appropriate, affordable and environmentally
friendly technologies to address environmental sanitation needs. Technology selection is to
be governed by technical guidelines issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural
Development or its designated agency.
Whilst the highest environmental standards and most advanced techniques must be the
ultimate goal, it is clearly unrealistic to demand their application overnight. Experience
elsewhere and considerations of what is practical suggest that a staged development be
pursued if sustainability is to be achieved. This will allow for the adoption of realistically
attainable standards within a framework of continuous and systematic improvement as
economic conditions improve and new knowledge is gained from research.
Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002
page 1
1.2 Objectives
The purpose of these Landfill Guidelines is to provide the basis upon which the EPA will
issue Environmental Permits and Certificates and District Assemblies will issue and renew
licences for landfill operations in the country. The Guidelines are also intended to provide
adequate and practical information to enable licence applicants, licence holders and their
designated advisors and managers to comply with the policy of the District Assembly and
related legislative requirements.
The objectives of these Landfill Guidelines are, among others, to:
improve the standard of waste disposal operations in Ghana;

set out options for the environmentally acceptable disposal of solid waste;
provide a framework of sustainable waste disposal standards within which to operate;
provide a framework for upgrading all landfills in Metropolitan, Municipal and large urban
areas to high density aerobic (HDA) landfills by the end of 2010 and full sanitary landfills
by 2020;
set out the regulatory framework for landfills.
The Guidelines are designed to provide a basis for protecting public health and the
environment, employing mainly locally available and adaptable techniques, knowledge and
resources to provide value-for-money to the general public.
For each disposal site, the size of operations, waste types received and hence the pollution
potential to the immediate ecosystem make it unique. The disposal sites are classified
according to clearly defined parameters and graded standards. This, appropriate minimum
standards for environmentally acceptable solid waste disposal from a small communal pit to
a major urban landfill site are provided.
Implementation of the Guidelines will be backed by legislation and licensing arrangements.
The granting and retention of licences will depend on landfills meeting minimum and site
specific requirements imposed with reference to the Guidelines. The conditions appearing in
the Guidelines represent enforceable standards for the specific categories of landfill
described. When the Guidelines become effective, existing disposal sites will have to follow
the same licensing procedure as new ones.
1.3 General Overview and Principles

The term landfilling refers to waste disposal on land, whether it be the filling in of
excavations or creation of a landform above grade. Historically, all wastes in Ghana have
been deposited on land because landfilling is the cheapest and most convenient method of
waste disposal. No matter what programme of waste volume reduction and resource
recovery is implemented, some amount of waste and waste residue will always have to be
disposed of in landfills.
Landfilling is environmentally acceptable if properly carried out. A landfill may be regarded
as a construction project, carried out over a period of time, to build a desired landform using
waste materials and incorporating appropriate environmental protection measures. Effects
such as the pollution of the water regime and unacceptable final profiles may arise from
generally incorrect landfill site selection, design, preparation and operation. These, together
with the problem of disturbed and degraded land, may persist long after the landfill site has
been closed.
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Figure 1.1
Overview of the different steps and issues related to landfill site selection
(adapted from D. Mutz & H. Oeltzschner, 1994)
Decision on individual
site or co-operation
with other Districts
Pressure and/or
support from
inhabitants & NGOs
Political commitment
for the operation of a
landfill site
Rules and regulations

regarding landfills
National
Documentation of
environmental and
health risks from
uncontrolled dumping
International
Financial resources
Local
Regional
Environmental issues
Financial issues
Legal issues
Search and
identification of a
landfill site
Social constraints
Health risks
Religious & cultural

aspects
Supervision
Selection of
contractor
Wastewater treatment
facilities
Supervision
Design and site

development
Operation of landfill in
accordance with laid
down regulations
Recycling
Monitoring
Gas abstraction and

utilisation
Monitoring
Privatisation
Reclamation and
restoration
Potential utilisation
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Environmentally acceptable landfilling should therefore aim at avoiding the degradation of the
environment, and especially at preventing pollution of the surface and ground water through
leachate contamination.
In view of cost and managerial issues involved in developing and running a landfill in the
Ghanaian context, certain principles have to be taken into account in deciding on the
technology to use:
In the first place, open uncontrolled waste dumping must be phased out. In this case
landfill is the most appropriate, cost effective option for replacing open dumps. Landfill
standards must however be appropriate, allowing a step-by-step progression to the
highest international standards (sanitary landfills) by the year 2020.
By concentrating on raising standards in a step-by-step manner up the hierarchy, time is

allowed for skills to develop, and for the public to grow used to increasing standards and
the cost of landfilling.
1.4 Landfill Development Critical Factors

Proposals for landfill facilities need to be developed taking into account planning,
environmental, technical and financial issues. Without full political support, adequate
finances and careful selection of potential sites and the appropriate level of engineering
sophistication, there is a risk of the facility proving unsustainable. In this respect, six major
steps need to be followed (see figure 1.1).
1.4.1 Political Commitment

It is essential to gain a firm political commitment to the concept of developing a landfill
project. Landfill projects often take several years to fully plan and implement, and may often
cross between terms of political office. Cross-party and cross-sectoral support needs to be
gained before proceeding with any landfill development initiative. This should be supported
by a structured process of public consultation. 5 years may be needed to come up with a
site for landfill.
Political courage is required to ensure that this most basic of problems is tackled. Many
difficult issues have to be resolved, and failure to do so will lead inevitably both to political
fallout and risks to public health. Potentially difficult issues include:
Public resistance;
Land tenure and acquisition;
Collaboration between District Assemblies;
Resource mobilisation; the initial investment for a landfill or improved dump is quite
considerable, and running costs will also have to be covered.
A means of sharing management costs and reducing unit cost is to realise economies of
scale by expanding the area of coverage of the facilities to neighbouring communities. In this
case, plans for landfill and associated services will need to cover several neighbouring
communities or separate administrative areas.
Establishing the organisational and
institutional framework for this purpose will, however, need to address the difficult issue of
inter-municipal co-operation. First, political support will have to be won because of changes
in responsibility; secondly responsibilities for different aspects of the service will have to be
distributed among the different levels of local government; and thirdly a model
(governance/management structure) to be used to bring about co-operation between District
Assemblies will have to be chosen.
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1.4.2 Financial Considerations

Availability of capital and operating finances is a major constraint on the development of
landfills. It is critical to develop facilities within available financial resources, and to
understand these constraints fully before attempting to develop a landfill. Where resources
are highly constrained, landfills which meet an intermediate level of environmental control
should be regarded as appropriate and should be improved progressively as finances
become available.
1.4.3 Landfill Site Selection

In selecting a site for the development of landfill, several factors have to be taken into
consideration. These include economic, environmental and socio-political factors.
Environmental factors relate to the potential threat to the physical environment, specifically
water resources. Factors such as topography, geology, hydrogeology, drainage, subsoil
conditions and adjacent land use should be carefully considered. Excavations close to
(within 1.5m) or intersecting the ground water table should be avoided as much as possible.
Otherwise any polluting effect on the ground water should be minimised or localised. Siting of
landfills too close to drinking, irrigation or livestock water supply sources should also be
avoided.
Economic factors include land availability, proximity of site to waste collection points, size of
site and access. These factors have long-term economic implications. For instance, the
land area should be adequate to cater for at least 10 years landfilling requirement. Also, the
collection area should ideally not be more than 30 minutes drive (or up to 30 km) from the
landfill.
A related issue is waste minimisation; money spent in reducing the amount of waste
generated (e.g. by running public education and promotion campaigns) may result in overall
savings if the lifetime of the landfill is sufficiently increased. Damage to the environment will
also be reduced.
Socio-political factors to be considered in landfill site selection include proximity to residential
developments, airports and socially and politically sensitive sites. Public consultation with
stakeholders must be sought in all cases and planning permission obtained. As much as
possible, landfills should be kept out of sight, that is they should not be seen from settlement
areas or transport corridors. This last factor can influence public acceptance and support for
the facility.
When the best available site has been identified, it must be properly acquired since land
ownership and acquisition are a major hurdle to be overcome in Ghana. The land to be
acquired must cover not only the area required for the landfill but also the buffer zone around
it, although this may be used for some types of economic activity (e.g. [agro-]forestry).
1.4.4 Designing a Landfill

In designing a landfill it is important to take into account levels of engineering sophistication
which are affordable in the local context and to avoid the temptation to go high-tech in the
design. This also means that daily waste covering may, in the short term, not be practical.
The design must, however, be such as to minimise the risk of environmental pollution by
controlling both the amount and contamination level of leachate generated. The landfill
should also promote a reduction in methane gas production.
page 5
Whatever landfill designs are finally accepted, the overriding goal should be to reduce the
risk to public health and the impairment of the ecosystem and resources in the receiving
physical environment to an acceptable level.
Development of landfill by the private sector and competitive tendering of contracts is
desirable as a means of ensuring a downward pressure on cost and an improved pressure
on standards. Contracting out, however, should only be carried out when the District
Administration has good in-house expertise available to manage contractors. Tender
documents should be written in such a way as to generate active interest from local
contractors (possibly utilising international expertise where appropriate) as well as clearly
stating the operational and environmental management requirements for the site.
1.4.5 Operating a Landfill

A successful landfill is one where it can be considered that the filled site has been improved
by the waste filling process, and not degraded by it. Safe, well organised waste placement is
what distinguishes a controlled landfill from an open dump. Good operation of the site will
also require an improvement in the engineering and management skills of the staff
responsible for the site.
Where the landfill is being operated by the Assemblies or local government authorities, clear
lines of responsibility should be put in place to ensure that any complaints about improper
management practices reflect directly on those responsible, and to ensure that they are fully
accountable to the public for rectifying the problem. In cases where landfills are operated by
the private sector, District Assemblies should make sure that operational and environmental
management practices meet contract requirements.
Waste disposal in cells, compaction and landfill gas and leachate management are all
important aspects of the landfill operation. Landfill gas, mainly methane, has the potential to
cause harm to human health by asphyxiation or explosion, and also to harm the local
environment. Landfill gas generation may be reduced by promoting aerobic digestion.
Compaction of waste is important because it reduces vermin, controls litter, increases site life
and makes the site more stable. Leachate recirculation through the landfill can help to
reduce leachate volume through evaporation as well as speeding up bio-degradation and
may thus be beneficial.
1.4.6 Site Closure and Aftercare

When a landfill ceases operation, restoration work will usually be required as part of the
closure process. This will usually involve shaping, final cover, vegetating and drainage
maintenance. Landfills should be restored progressively during their lifetime as each cell/lift
becomes full, in order to minimise health, safety and environmental impacts. The restoration
plan must form part of the original site selection and design and should be continuously
reviewed during the active life of the site to meet environmental and planning needs of the
area and the intended after use of the site.
Sites can be restored to productive agricultural uses or passive recreational uses. Buildings
should not be developed on a closed solid waste landfill site given the inherent problems of
settlement, corrosion of foundations by leachate and safety risks from landfill gas emissions.
Due care should be taken, in the construction of buildings within a 200m radius of the site, to
ensure that risks from landfill gas are minimised.
Aftercare for the landfill will involve erosion control of the top cover, observation of settlement
of the landfill, groundwater monitoring, leachate and gas control, observation of the
conditions of vegetation and presence of vermin and odour.
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2 Policy, Institutional and Regulatory Framework

2.1 Policy
The policy underlying these Guidelines is one aimed at gaining maximum impact from limited
resources.
A step-wise approach has therefore been adopted, so that significant
improvements can be made affecting as many communities and natural environments as
possible before subsequently proceeding towards universal application of the best available,
but more expensive, technology. If such standards were universally applied, financial
constraints would limit the impact to a few areas only.
This focus on gaining maximum returns on investment means that larger landfills should be
built and run to higher standards, as they realise substantial economies of scale, while at the
same time improving the lives of many people and mitigating major potential environmental
damage that could take many years to reverse. Smaller landfills can use simpler
technologies as the number of people affected is less, and any potential environmental
impact can be largely absorbed by the environment's own natural recovery mechanisms.
A second key element of landfill policy is a major emphasis on site selection. Careful
selection of landfill sites can greatly reduce the potential for negative environmental impacts
and may even in the long run generate community assets when the sites are rehabilitated.
Sensible use of natural features can facilitate the containment of pollution, and sites can be
chosen well away from useful resources or sensitive ecosystems so that any pollution which
does escape will not have a major impact. This must be practised in conjunction with
effective long-term forward planning so as to avoid sub-optimal solutions resulting from lastminute panic measures because the identification, acquisition and development of suitable
sites usually takes several years.
2.2 Institutional Framework

The key institution with regard to solid waste disposal is, as, in most matters affecting the
physical environment, the District Assembly. The Assembly will, however, be supported in its
activities by a number of other entities. Their roles are discussed below.
2.2.1 The District Assembly

It is the District Assembly's role to ensure adequate waste disposal within its area of
jurisdiction. In particular, the Environmental Sanitation Policy states that the Assemblies are
to:
Produce medium and long term plans for the provision of treatment and disposal
sites, including the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments;
Acquire sufficient land and secure title with payment of due compensation for the land
for immediate and future use and protect such acquisitions by proper demarcation,
fencing, etc.;
Ensure that the sites are managed so as to satisfy approved environmental protection
standards.
Sites should be acquired by lease or purchase, with agreement on rehabilitation

measures to be taken when the site is full. Due attention must be paid to the feelings of
local residents (in addition to chiefs and landowners) when acquiring sites.
Landfills may be operated by the Assemblies themselves or under concession or contract
arrangements with private sector organisations. In either case, it is the Assembly's job to
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monitor and enforce environmental standards. As with other environmental sanitation

services, the Assembly would issue licences to landfill operators, renewable periodically
subject to satisfactory performance.
In order to facilitate effective control, landfill sites would generally belong to the Assembly,
either by lease or outright ownership. Privately-owned landfill sites would only be allowed in
exceptional circumstances.
2.2.2 The Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA regulates environmental standards, and administers permitting and certification
procedures for landfills amongst other activities potentially damaging to the environment.
Once a landfill is certified and operative, the EPA would undertake the prosecution of any
operator causing environmental damage.
The EPA is also a reservoir of technical expertise, which the District Assemblies may draw
upon when selecting landfill sites or instituting monitoring activities.
2.2.3 The Regional Co-ordinating Council

The RCC and, within it, the Regional Planning Co-ordination Unit (RPCU), monitors the
District Assemblies' planning activities, and would thus be responsible for ensuring that the
Assemblies discharge their responsibilities with regard to the identification and acquisition of
landfill sites.
Due to considerable economies of scale with landfills, it may often be advantageous for a
landfill to serve communities in more than one District. In such cases the RCC would have a
key role in ensuring that adequate collaborative arrangements for the siting, management
and monitoring of landfills are in place between the various District Assemblies involved.
2.2.4 The Private Sector

In line with general Government policy, the private sector would be encouraged to take an
active role in the development and management of landfill facilities. The high development
costs of larger landfills make this an area ideally suited to privatisation, which has as a major
objective the mobilisation of resources from outside Government budgets. Site development
might alternatively be carried out under contract with the Assembly before letting a
management contract or concession to a private operator. A sample landfill operation
agreement is given in Annex A.
2.3 Regulatory Framework

Three main instruments are involved (or will eventually be when given legal status) in the
regulation of landfills:
Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1652);

Landfill Operating Licences issued by the District Assemblies;
The Landfill Guidelines (this document).
2.3.1 Environmental Assessment Regulations (L.I. 1652)

L.I. 1652 states that all landfills require an Environmental Impact Assessment prior to
construction. Once this is approved by the EPA, the EPA will issue an Environmental Permit
allowing for landfill to start at the proposed site within 18 months, subject to stated
conditions. Development of a landfill can only start after the Environmental Permit is issued.
As site selection and acquisition is a function of the District Assembly, it is the Assembly that
would apply for the Environmental Permit.
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Within 24 months of starting operation, the operator must submit a detailed Environmental
Management Plan and the first in a series of annual environmental reports in order to obtain
an Environmental Certificate. In the case of landfills, the EPA would normally set some
requirements relative to the construction specification (e.g. landfill liner). Confirmation that
these have been complied with would be obtained from certified in-situ test results and (in
general) an on-site inspection by the EPA.
The Environmental Management Plan would contain detailed descriptions of environmental
protection measures to be taken both during operation and after closure of the landfill. The
length of time for which the operator would retain responsibility will vary according to the size
of the landfill, but could be up to 30 years for larger ones. This would be clearly specified in
the Environmental Management Plan.
In order to maintain certified status, the operator should submit annual environmental reports
to the EPA and an updated Environmental Management Plan every three years. Breaches
of performance are punishable by withdrawal of the Environmental Certificate, fines and
prison sentences.
This regime continues after closure of the landfill, in accordance with the closure and
aftercare provisions in the Environmental Management Plan.
2.3.2 Landfill Operating Licences

General provision for the licensing of environmental sanitation service providers is made
under each District Assembly's bye-laws, or by model bye-laws when these are issued by the
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in the form of a L.I.
A landfill operator would have to apply for a licence specifically for waste disposal (see
sample application form in Annex B), specifying:
The name and registration details of the company or organisation (copies of registration
documents to be attached);
A business plan setting out the expected volume of business, costs, financing
arrangements and cash flows;
Audited accounts for the last two years;
CVs of key staff and descriptions of previous work undertaken by the company or
organisation, showing relevant experience;
Operation and maintenance manual and Environmental Management Plan for the landfill;
A full list of staff with details of relevant qualifications and training;
Staff designated to accept hazardous waste;
A full list of the motorised and wheeled equipment to be used (documentary proof of
ownership and insurance to be attached);
Location of the service provider's office open to the public.
If the applicant can demonstrate competence to operate the landfill, the Assembly may issue
a licence. Licences will generally have a validity of one year from the date of issue, after
which they would have to be renewed under the same procedure as for a new application.
An application will not be considered if the company or any of its officers have been involved
in a company whose licence has been revoked in the previous five years.
If a breach of any of the conditions specified in the Landfill Guidelines, the operation and
maintenance manual or the Environmental Management Plan comes to the attention of the
Assembly, the Assembly may issue a written notice instructing the licensee to rectify the
default within a specified time period not greater than seven days. If, after the specified
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period, the default has not been rectified, the Assembly may issue a warning that the licence
will be revoked if the default is not rectified within a second specified time period not greater
than seven days. If, after this second period, the default has still not been rectified, the
Assembly may revoke the licence with immediate effect. No refund of the licence fee will be
payable. Legal sanctions may be applied in addition if the operator is found guilty in a court
of law of an offence against the bye-laws.
In the event of such termination the District Assembly shall take over and manage the landfill
or contract it out to an accredited licensed landfill operator of good standing.
Detailed conditions would be set out in the landfill operation agreement (see sample in
Annex A), which may also specify further sanctions short of termination for less serious
defaults. The agreement would also render the Assembly liable for defaults under some
circumstances, for example, failure to pay disposal fees.
Operation can start once the Environmental Permit has been issued, a licence granted and
an agreement signed with the Assembly or Assemblies involved. Continuation would be
subject to the issue by the EPA of an Environmental Certificate within 24 months and annual
renewal of the licence. If any of the operation agreement, operating licence or Environmental
Certificate are revoked, the operator must hand the landfill site back to the Assembly.
It is the responsibility of the operator to amend the site classification appropriately should a
change in circumstances affect the classification of a landfill site. In executing this
responsibility, the operator may appoint staff or consultants, appropriately qualified to the
satisfaction of the District Assembly, to co-ordinate and supervise the different phases of
landfill development. Different people may, therefore, be appointed as Responsible Persons
for different phases of the landfill development and be accountable to the operator for
ensuring that the work undertaken is properly and competently directed, guided and
executed. The operator will retain ultimate liability for the actions of those the operator may
appoint as Responsible Persons.
On closure of the landfill, the operation agreement and operating licence would lapse, with
the operator's responsibilities being defined by the Environmental Management Plan.
The regulatory framework is summarised in figure 2.1 on the following page.
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Figure 2.1 Regulatory Framework for Landfills
District Assembly
Operator
EPA
Environmental Permit
Site selection
Feasibility Report
Design and
construction of landfill
Operating Licence
O&M Manual
Env. Mgt Plan
Cash flow estimates
Inspection of landfill
Initial operation
of landfill
First annual report
Monitoring
Continued operation
of landfill
Renewal of Licence
Annual reports
Env. Mgt Plan updates
Inspection
and approval
Monitoring
Enforcement of
Environmental
Certificate
Notice of Closure
Detailed records
Final capping
Site rehabilitation
Landfill aftercare
Annual reports
Env. Mgt Plan updates
Environmental
Certificate
Enforcement of
Environmental
Certificate
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3 Landfill Classification
Landfills can be classified according to the scale and complexity of operations, equipment
employed, type of waste handled and also by their potential environmental impact. All these
classifications are directly and inter-dependently influenced by the waste quantities handled
(daily capacity/tonnage) and the minimum standards and criteria imposed on the operation
and maintenance management requirements of the site.
3.1 The Waste Stream

Landfills must be appropriate for the type and quantity of waste they are to accept for final
disposal. Whilst the amount and composition of the waste stream is unique for any given
settlement, the nature of the waste and the sizes of the settlements served can be classified
into groups for which common approaches can be adopted.
3.1.1 Waste Types

Solid waste can broadly be divided into three categories for the purposes of landfilling (see
Annex C): inert waste, general waste and hazardous waste. In Ghana, inert waste such as
rubble from building or demolition works or spoil from excavation is rarely disposed of as
waste. Any small amounts that do make their way to the final disposal site are valuable for
use on site roads or as cover. Quantities of scrap metal (cars, domestic appliances etc.) are
also limited as the majority is removed from the waste stream before reaching the disposal
site. Special disposal sites for inert waste are therefore unlikely to be required within the
twenty-year horizon of these guidelines or even beyond, and are not considered. Where
there is a need, sections of the landfill can be designated for these wastes.
The great majority of waste falls into the category of general waste. This comprises normal
domestic refuse, garden wastes, wastes from street and drain cleansing and non-hazardous
commercial and industrial wastes. It typically has a significant content of putrescible material
with smaller quantities of non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, glass, metals etc.
Small quantities of hazardous wastes such as batteries and pesticides may be found within
it. This type of waste can be safely disposed of in landfills provided that the infrastructure
and management are adequate. Inadequate management or uncontrolled dumping will lead
to littering, odours, breeding of insects and rodents, attraction of birds and pollution of water
resources by leachate.
Hazardous wastes include a wide range of materials (see Annex C) but in Ghana originate
principally from industrial or health care activities. However, they generally occur in small
quantities, except in the case of specific industrial operations, for which the industries
concerned must take responsibility. Because of the small quantities to be sent to landfill,
special landfills for these wastes are not required. Some if these materials should not be
deposited in a landfill at all, whilst others can be accommodated with the use of specific
disposal techniques in specially designated areas, on the landfill site but separate from the
area used for general waste. Disposal of these wastes is covered in chapters 5 and 7 on
landfill design and operation.
3.1.2 Waste Quantities

The categorisation of landfills according to the contributing population and the estimated
quantity of waste is given in Table 3.1 below. However, in applying the specifications set out
in this guideline, it is the amount of waste to be disposed of that defines the category of a
landfill. Contributing populations are given as a guide only. Some localised activities
contribute significant amounts of waste not directly linked to population, such as regional and
zonal market or industrial centres.
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Settlement sizes have been divided into groups in accordance with the governments general
classification of settlements. However, the urban classification is too wide for the purpose
of this guideline, as some smaller landfills within this category can function adequately with
manual technology, whilst larger ones require mechanical equipment. This category has
therefore been subdivided.
It should be noted that there are considerable economies of scale in landfill operation, so that
the sharing of disposal facilities between towns or districts should be carefully considered at
the planning stage. Thus, whilst the designations Metropolitan, Municipal etc. are used,
they refer to the total tonnage of waste handled, which may not necessarily be that from a
single settlement or from within the jurisdiction of a single Assembly.
Table 3.1: Classification of Landfills According to Scale
Designation
Contributing Population
Waste Quantity (T/day)
Metropolitan
Municipal
Large Urban
Small Urban
Large Rural
Small Rural
>250,000
95,000 - 250,000
40,000 - 95,000
15,000 - 40,000
5,000 - 15,000
<5,000
>150
50 - 150
20 - 50
8 - 20
3-8
<3
3.2 Problems to be Addressed by Landfills and Improved Dumping

Although a considerable impact on human health and living conditions is achieved if solid
wastes are removed from within settlements, much of the advantage can be lost if a worse
problem is created elsewhere, as is the case with a large unimproved open dump. It is for
this reason that engineered waste disposal is practised. The problems that landfills and
improved dumping are designed to address to at least some degree can be summarised as
follows.
3.2.1 Leachate
Rain failing onto and soaking through decomposing refuse, moisture contained by the wastes
and water produced by the decomposition process itself, become heavily contaminated with
organic matter and any other chemicals present in the waste. This liquid, known as leachate,
can cause serious pollution of surface water or groundwater, particularly at larger facilities. It
may also continue to be produced for years after a landfill has been closed.
The amount of leachate is affected by the amount of rainfall and the operational practices
employed.
It may be reduced by minimising the working area, efficient separation and
drainage of leachate and runoff, recirculation (i.e. collection followed by re-distribution over
the landfill) and the use of impermeable intermediate and final cover.
Leachate from anaerobic landfills is highly polluting; that from aerobic ones less so, as much
of the organic fraction is oxidised if the waste is sufficiently shredded and mixed. Larger
quantities require treatment by ponding or aeration, whilst smaller quantities may be treated
by sub-surface infiltration and purification by natural processes in the soil.
3.2.2 Gas
The decomposition of organic waste produces a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide
known as landfill gas. This can be dangerous if allowed to build up in the body of the waste,
as it may cause explosions on the landfill. It can also seep out through subterranean fissures
and collect in nearby buildings, again causing a risk of explosion.
page 13
The risks can be reduced either by reducing landfill gas formation by promoting aerobic
processes or by containing the gas within the boundaries of the landfill and venting it to
atmosphere or collecting and burning it (with the possibility of energy generation).
3.2.3 Litter
Lighter waste components such as plastic bags and paper are easily blown around by wind,
causing serious littering around unimproved dumpsites. Containment within the site by wire
fencing and within the waste body through good compaction and/or regular cover can
eliminate the problem.
3.2.4 Odour
No landfill can be odour-free, due to the decomposition of organic wastes. However, good
compaction and regular covering of the wastes can considerably reduce the problem. The
promotion of aerobic processes can also reduce odours, as fully oxidised decomposition
products tend to smell less strongly.
3.2.5 Dust and Noise

This is also inevitable to some degree, but can be substantially reduced by the maintenance
of site roads in good condition an good traffic. management on site.
3.2.6 Birds, Insects and Rodents

Birds, especially vultures and other carrion-eaters are attracted by uncovered wastes.
Compaction of the waste can reduce the problem, and regular cover reduces it further. Insect
and rodent breeding can also be reduced by the same measures. Effective leachate and site
drainage to avoid ponding can also help to reduce insect breeding.
3.3 Types of Landfill

Four types of landfill are recognised in these guidelines as acceptable under specified
conditions. These are: sanitary landfill, high density aerobic (HDA) landfill, mechanical
improved dumping and manual improved dumping. They are described in the following
sections and summarised in Tables 3.2 and 3.3.
All types of landfill and improved dumping sites must have the following basic facilities:
Site drainage and fencing;

Supervised entrance with recording of wastes delivered;
Staff shower and changing room;
Internal roads;
Designated controlled areas or cells for hazardous waste.
page 14
page 15
Improved Dumping
Fenced
Site drainage
Separation of special or
hazardous wastes
Collection: $8-20/T
Disposal: $2-4/T
Moderate
Acceptable urban
environment
Wastes confined to the
dumping site
Concentrated in one area
Slightly reduced
Possibility of explosions
Substantially reduced
Concentrated at dump site
Open Dumping
Unimproved, inappropriate
dump site, often in valleys
etc.
Collection: $8-20/T
Disposal: $1-2/T
Moderate
Acceptable urban
environment
Wastes scattered around
dumping site
Possibility of explosions
Concentrated around dump

site
Option
Description
Costs
Management
requirements
Results
Groundwater
pollution
Surface water
pollution
Methane gas
Litter
nuisance
Odours
Bird nuisance
Other vermin
Table 3.2: Comparison of Landfill Types
Reduced
Reduced
Eliminated
Production substantially
reduced
Reduced
Acceptable urban
environment
Low environmental impact of
disposal (except aesthetic)
Moderate to high
Collection: $8-20/T
Disposal: $4-6/T
Waste spread out widely

over site
Extra compaction
Leachate recirculation
HDA Landfill
Eliminated
Collected and vented or

flared. Risk of explosion
substantially reduced
Low, but risk of major

pollution if treatment fails
Minimal, if leachate
management is
effective and reliable
Acceptable urban
environment
Low environmental
impact of disposal
High
Collection: $8-20/T
Disposal: $6-8/T
Daily cover
Impermeable liner
Leachate treatment
Gas management
Sanitary Landfill
Table 3.3: Summary of the Main Features of the Four Landfill Types
Feature
Site drainage & fencing

Supervised entrance
Staff facilities
Internal roads
Hazardous waste cells
Leachate collection
Leachate recirculation
Leachate drainage
Weighbridge
Leachate treatment
Gas management
Impermeable base
Landfill compactor
Bulldozer
Payloader
Sanitary
Landfill
HDA
Landfill
Improved
Dumping
(mechanical)
(tractor/roller)
(also possible)
Improved
Dumping
(manual)
3.3.1 Sanitary Landfill

Sanitary landfills comprise cells with underdrains and low permeability liners to prevent
groundwater pollution. Waste is unloaded and compacted in the cells using a steel-wheeled
landfill compactor, keeping the working face as narrow as possible to reduce the exposed
area of waste and to enable daily covering of the waste with soil. Disposal proceeds
vertically in each cell as layers (about 2m thick) are added one on top of another.
This technique results in predominantly anaerobic decomposition of organic waste,
generating methane gas and highly polluted leachate. Both leachate and methane gas can
have a strong negative impact on the surrounding environment and are therefore collected
and treated before being released.
3.3.2 HDA Landfill

High density aerobic (HDA) landfills reduce odour, methane gas and leachate production by
allowing for aerobic decomposition of the bulk of the organic waste. Because they also
produce a less heavily polluted leachate than sanitary landfills, the requirement for an
impermeable liner can be relaxed, as long as careful siting of the landfill is carried out in
order to avoid pollution of important groundwater resources.
The main feature of a high density aerobic landfill is the repeated compaction of waste in thin
layers (0.6m of raw waste compacted to 0.3m) over a wide area by a steel-wheeled landfill
compactor. Daily cover with soil is not required. Leachate is removed by a simple gravel
drain system at the base of the landfill, stored in a collection basin and recirculated to the
landfill, where much of it may evaporate. If the landfill is situated in an area with soils of
naturally low permeability, some net surplus leachate generation may occur during the wet
season. This is released to surface waters after minor treatment and/or dilution.
Because it requires a landfill compactor to be continuously available, a stand-by unit must be
available. This means that this type of technology is not suitable for small sites (below
50T/day). It may also be unsustainable in areas of higher rainfall (>1,500mm/yr).
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3.3.3 Improved Dumping (Manual or Mechanical)

In addition to having the basic facilities outlined above, improved dumping is characterised
by careful siting of the dump site at some distance from densely populated areas and with
due care to minimise any potential threat to local groundwater resources. Waste is spread
and compacted in thin (0.3m) layers without daily soil cover, although periodic cover should
be provided if possible. Simple leachate management is effected by establishing drainage
surrounding the site and between cells. Any leachate collected is infiltrated to ground (if this
will not adversely affect local use of groundwater resources) or recirculated to the dump site.
On smaller landfills (up to 20T/day) manual spreading and compaction may be used. Larger
landfills can only be realistically managed using mechanical equipment.
3.4 Phasing
The health and environmental problems associated with landfilling operations vary with
scale. Thus, it is the largest landfills that have the greatest potential to cause problems. It is
also these large landfills that serve the greater part of the urban population; about two thirds
of Ghanas total urban population is concentrated in the Metropolitan and Municipal areas. In
these settlements, absence of an efficient solid waste collection and disposal service would
constitute a major public health problem and must be avoided.
At the other end of the scale, small rural settlements below 5,000 population may well be
able, at least in the short term, to maintain a healthy environment by burying or burning
wastes at household level.
The cost of landfill is very substantial, both in terms of investment and operation. It is
therefore not feasible to move immediately to the highest possible standard of landfill,
namely sanitary landfill. Table 3.4 below shows how the standard of landfilling should
gradually increase towards this ultimate goal. The phasing specified takes account of the
relative health risks involved at the different levels and the financial and institutional feasibility
of implementing the improvements.
Table 3.4: Phasing-in of Improved Landfill Arrangements
Landfill
Type
Capacity
(T/day)
2003
Metropolitan
Municipal
Large Urban
Small Urban
Large Rural
Small Rural
>150
50 - 150
20 - 50
8 - 20
38
<3
HDA
ID-mech.
-
Type of Landfill* to be in Use by:

2006
2010
2015
HAD
HAD
ID-mech.
ID-manual
-
HDA
HDA
ID-mech.
ID-manual
ID-manual
ID-manual
SL
HAD
ID-mech.
ID-mech.
ID-manual
ID-manual
2020
SL
SL
ID-mech.
ID-mech.
ID-manual
ID-manual
SL - sanitary landfill; HDA - high-density aerobic landfill; ID-mech. - improved dumping (mechanical);
ID-manual - improved dumping (manual)
3.5 Special Considerations

Under special circumstances, the use of higher landfilling standards, regardless of
community size or waste quantity handled at a proposed site, may be required. In these
cases the best practically feasible environmental option based on appropriate and affordable
technology should be selected. This applies in particular where certain specific critical water
resources might be affected. Whilst the process of classification of fresh and receiving water
bodies as a function of their intended uses and the corresponding background standards are
yet to be made available by the Water Resources Commission, water resources employed
page 17
for domestic water supply (such as the rivers Densu and Oda) and those of major ecological
importance such as Ramsar sites can already be identified as a special class.
For landfills which present a potential pollution threat to such special water resources, nonpoint discharges from the landfill must be avoided and leachate collected and treated to meet
the background quality standards of the receiving water body. In collaboration with the
Water Resources Commission, fresh water resources falling into this special class will be
defined and listed in future editions of these guidelines.
District Assemblies whose waste discharges affect such waters should be given special
technical assistance, if not available locally, in order to meet receiving water standards.
Indeed, the advent of classification of rivers and water bodies will require effluent discharges
from landfills and other treatment facilities not only to comply with general discharge
consents, but also to ensure that the receiving water body meets the specific standards
applicable to its class.
page 18
4 Landfill Site Identification

4.1 Introduction
The selection of a site for developing a landfill, taking into account social, environmental and
economic factors, and its assessment for financial and technical viability is one of the most
important decisions to be made by an Assembly in executing its waste management
responsibilities. A poorly chosen site is likely to be associated with high costs of waste
transport, site development and operations, or environmental protection. It may also cause
long-term political problems from public opposition. Conversely, a well chosen site may
enable waste to de disposed of without significant damage to the environment with minimal
investment, and may even create improvements to the environment on closure.
To ensure that an appropriate site is identified, a systematic process of selection needs to be
followed. The selection criteria are themselves subject to prioritisation according to local
social, economic, cultural, political and climatic circumstances.
It is important to obtain sufficient information about possible sites. Desk and field studies can
identify a short list of candidates. The majority of this information need only be qualitative.
For the preferred site(s) only, it will be necessary to carry out investigations at the site(s) to
confirm their geological and hydrogeological characteristics, develop conceptual design(s),
and establish likely costs.
The impact of travel time as influenced by distance, and the implications for modes of
transport on the waste collection service must be considered, as this may have a dominant
influence on the choice of site. Measures to collect and treat leachate are often expensive.
To reduce costs, priority should be given to areas where leachate would likely have little or
no impact on the environment.
Key Points : Site Selection

The site to be developed should be:
Environmentally acceptable;
Socially acceptable;
Technically and economically feasible;
Provide for simple, cost-effective design,
which in turn provides for good operation
Whilst this chapter provides basic guidelines for landfill site selection, other factors and
criteria, besides those mentioned, may be of particular importance in a certain District,
Municipality or Metropolis. It must therefore be emphasised that these guidelines set out the
minimum criteria required to safeguard human health and welfare, water resources and the
integrity of natural resources.
4.2 Preliminary Considerations

There is the need to consider the size and general location of the required landfill before
commencing procedures to identify candidate sites. Such considerations include:
The area (catchment) that the landfill should serve, its present and projected rates of
waste generation and hence its category (daily tonnage) and type (technology to be
employed);
page 19
The geographical area(s) and types of waste to be accepted in the new landfill. Together
with a target lifetime, these factors will dictate:
restrictions, due to transport limitations, on general locations of sites;
the type of environmental impacts likely;
the required volumetric capacity of candidate sites;
any inter-district co-operation that might be needed;
The criteria that will be appropriate for the site selection assessment. These should
include all those given in this Guideline plus any other factors which have particular
significance in the local context.
4.3 Public Participation

Landfilling is an activity that may have significant adverse effects on the environment, and
hence is subject to the Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1652) of the
Environmental Protection Agency. It is therefore necessary that environmental assessment
procedures (that include community/public consultations) be initiated following the
preliminary considerations.
The ease or otherwise of establishing a new site for landfilling wastes will almost certainly be
influenced by the attitudes and perceptions of immediate communities and environmental
pressure groups, and the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) syndrome. Therefore, the
Assembly should actively encourage participation in the site identification exercise from the
general public and organisations, which have significant interests in the choice of site right
from the beginning.
Representatives of the Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs), who may include chiefs,
communities, youth groups, landowners, non-governmental organisations and financial
bodies, should therefore be identified to comment on issues affecting site selection.
Consultations may be held regularly with this limited group, whilst public meetings and fora
should also be held at critical stages in the selection process.
Public participation should be a consultation process aimed at:
Promoting public understanding of the need for a landfill and its operational principles;
Keeping the public well informed on the status of various planning, design, and operation
activities;
Soliciting opinions and perceptions from concerned citizens on the landfill development;
Promoting public consciousness of their role as waste generators.
The advantages of a public participation programme include the following:
Increased likelihood of public approval for the final plans;

Provision of useful information to decision-makers, especially regarding issues or factors
that are not easily quantified;
Assurance that all issues are fully and carefully considered and appropriate action taken;
Identification of requirements for affected communities;
A safety valve by providing a forum where criticisms can be aired;
Increased accountability by decision-makers;
An effective mechanism for decision-makers to respond to issues beyond those of the
immediate project;
An effective mechanism to encourage public reflection on their role as waste producers.
However, it should be appreciated that public participation programmes, if not properly

conducted, can have a number of negative effects, including the following:
page 20
Potential for confusion on the issues if too many new subjects are introduced;
The possibility that false information may be disseminated by unknowledgeable
participants;
Added cost to the project;
A possibility that the effort will not involve the appropriate people, or that the citizens will
not develop an interest in the project until it is too late for changes to be initiated.
Key Points: Positive Community Interaction
Concentrate on a limited number of clearly

defined issues to avoid confusion;
Define clearly in advance any benefits to be
provided to affected communities;
Establish points of contact for further
information and follow-ups;
Provide for the cost of community fora
4.4 Site Selection Process

The general process of site selection should follow the step-by-step sequence illustrated in
Figure 4.1, which indicates how the search for a new landfill can be progressively narrowed
down to a single preferred site.
4.4.1 Determine Landfill Size

Waste generation in the proposed catchment area should be estimated from the existing
population and expected growth rate. Domestic solid waste production can be estimated as
about 0.45 kg per person per day. To this should be added any extra quantities such as
those arising from major market and commercial areas serving other communities outside
the immediate catchment under consideration, and from any industrial activities.
If there appears to be potential for collaboration with neighbouring communities or Districts, it
should be examined at this stage through direct contact and also involvement of the RCC.
4.4.2 Constitute Inter-Sectoral Planning Committee

Once the scale of the landfill has been decided, the Inter-Sectoral Planning Committee
should be established. This consists of the Inter-Sectoral Technical Team (see District
Waste Planning Manual; underlined in the list below), which co-ordinates the design and
preparatory work, and other members co-opted by the District Assembly(ies) concerned.
There are no hard and fast rules on its membership, but the following is given as a guide:
District Chief Executive

Assembly Members
Waste Management Department (Metro and Municipal Districts only)
Environmental Health Department
Town & Country Planning Department
Works/Engineering Department
District Planning Co-ordination Unit/Development Planning Department
Department of Feeder Roads/Urban Roads (as applicable)
EPA local representative or Regional Office
Department of Community Development
Department of Parks and Gardens
Technical specialist or consultant if not available in-house
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Investor (if not the Assembly)

Regional Planning Co-ordination Unit (if multi-District)
Geological Survey Department
Figure 4.1 Landfill Site Selection Process

(adapted from Republic of South Africa, 1998 and World Bank Technical Paper No. 426, 1 999)
1. Determine catchment area, required capacity and hence category and type
of proposed landfill
2. Establish Inter-Sectoral Planning Committee to co-ordinate planning and a

Technical Sub-committee to develop the design and manage the process
Constraint mapping to identify 4-6 sites;

Walkover surveys and discussions with local chiefs, landowners and communities;
Further desk studies leading to selection of 2-3 ranked candidate sites;
Discussion with IAPs and any necessary amendment;
Preparation of conceptual designs for agreed candidate sites, including site
investigations where necessary;
Preparation of final recommendations (Site Selection Report)
4. Public forum
Revise if necessary
3. Select landfill site, including the following steps:
5. Submit Scoping Report and application for Environmental Permit to EPA
7. Produce feasibility study, preliminary design and EIS (Feasibility Report)
8. Review by EPA, including public hearing if deemed necessary
Revise if necessary
6. Carry out detailed site investigation
9. EPA issues Environmental Permit

page 22
4.4.3 Constraint Mapping

The application of appropriate site selection criteria during preliminary desk studies has the
effect of excluding whole areas failing to meet the criteria from further consideration. Several
of these negative aspects may conveniently be recorded on a suitably scaled map of the
municipality and its surroundings. Such mapping will reveal areas in which landfill sites
might be located (subject to further criteria). Aerial photographs are also a useful aid to
identify geological and hydrogeological features.
Sources of information on which to base these exclusion areas include, but are not limited to,
the following:
Town and Country Planning Department

Lands Commission
Environmental Protection Agency
Wildlife Department
Forestry Department
Roads and Transport Departments
Ghana Water Company Limited
The Military
Mining Companies
Telecommunications Companies
Geological Survey Department
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority
Hydrology Department of the Ministry of Works and Housing
Meteorology Services Department
The ownership of land should also be recorded and this should include communal or stool
lands, which may be under multiple ownership, and lands which are sacred and should not
be developed.
Locational Criteria
The following factors would normally disqualify a site from use as a landfill:
1. 3000m from the end of any airport runway or landing strip in the direct line of the flight
path and within 500m of an airport or airfield boundary. This is because landfills attract
birds, creating the danger of aircraft striking birds.
2. Areas below the 1 in 50 year flood line. This eliminates wetlands and flood plains where
water pollution would result from waste disposal.
3. Areas in close proximity to significant surface water bodies, 300m for ponds lakes and
dams, 90 m for rivers.
4. Unstable areas including fault zones, seismic zones and areas with mining pits where
subsidence are likely.
5. Sensitive ecological and/or historical areas including nature reserves and areas of
ecological, cultural or historical significance (i.e. wetlands and cultural habitats).
6. Catchment areas for important water resources. Although all sites ultimately fall within a
catchment area, the size and sensitivity of the catchment may represent a constraint
especially if it feeds a water supply source. No landfill should be situated less than 360m
from a well in current use.
7. Areas characterised by flat gradients (<2%), shallow or emergent ground water (springs
and seepages) where a sufficient unsaturated zone separating the waste body and the
ground water would not be possible.
8. Areas characterised by steep gradients, where stability of slopes could be problematic
(>10%).
page 23
9. Designated groundwater recharge catchment areas for water supply schemes.

10. Areas overlying or adjacent to important or potentially important aquifers.
11. Areas characterised by shallow bedrock with little soil cover. These are frequently also
associated with steep slopes, which may be unsuitable.
12. Areas less than 500m from land-uses which are incompatible with landfilling or have the
potential to attract community resistance, including residential areas, nature reserves,
military exclusion zones and cemeteries.
13. Areas where adequate buffer zones are not possible.
14. Areas immediately upwind of a residential area in the prevailing wind direction(s).
15. Areas, which, because of title deeds and other constraints, can never be rezoned to
permit a waste disposal facility.
16. Non-conformity with relevant official land-use plans.
17. Any area characterised by any factor that would prohibit the development of a landfill
except at prohibitive cost.
4.4.4 Identification of Candidate Landfill Sites

The output from the constraint mapping exercise will suggest areas of search for possible
sites. Within these, considering a range of positive selection criteria will considerably simplify
the task of identifying candidate sites.
A suitable site must obviously be big enough. The land area required depends on the
expected volume of waste over the life of the site (1,000 kg/m3should be used as a design
figure for the final density of the waste fill) and the site topography, which determines the
depth of waste that can be landfilled.
Due to a combination of local resistance and Ghana's complex land tenure and
administration system, site acquisition can be a very time-consuming process, often taking
several years. To reduce the scale of the problem, sites should preferably be in single
ownership or with a limited number of owners, and in a state of neglect or non-use.
The principal environmental concern associated with waste disposal is the generation and
fate of leachate, which depends largely upon the local meteorological conditions. Where
leachate generation is a potential problem, landfills should be sited in areas where its
controlled or accidental release will have little or no impact on the local environment. The first
areas to seek out would be those having geology favourable to containing or at least
inhibiting the release of leachate to the wider environment; for example, clays and silt
deposits. Abandoned clay workings may be an example of a suitable location for effectively
containing leachate, and refilling the void left by a former brick-worked area can recreate a
landform suitable for other purposes.
The objectives of protecting groundwater from contamination should be kept in perspective.
In certain circumstances it may be acceptable to sacrifice a small area of unused
groundwater (provided the area can be predetermined and future use of that water resource
avoided), rather than invest large sums of money in landfill development in order to protect
groundwater for its own sake. This approach may lead to the consideration of some sites
which might otherwise be excluded.
If substantial quantities of cover material or of clay for impermeable lining are expected to be
required, then the proximity of suitable material, available for use, will be a major
consideration. This can be a major cost factor in landfill development and/or operation, and
excessive transport distances can make it financially non-viable.
page 24
Depending on the restrictions imposed by the constraint mapping exercise, the district should
aim to draw up a list of up to, say, five possible sites identified for their positive features,
which may include:
easy access to a road system;

proximity to the urban area;
sufficient size;
ease of land acquisition;
lack of use for any other purpose;
availability of cover material or lining material
beneficial after-use.
This list of sites could include the municipal waste dump, which is to be replaced, provided it
meets some of the criteria above and is likely to have a further lifetime of at least 5 and
preferably 10 or more years as a better-managed landfill. Conversion of a waste dumpsite
would have the apparent advantages of being already available; having an established use
for waste disposal and being familiar to the collection agencies. In the event that the
development of a new site will take about five years it may be desirable to implement
immediate improvement works at existing sites to upgrade operations and aptitude of
operatives for landfill operation and maintenance procedures.
4.4.5 Walkover surveys

Further elimination of sites will require formal inspection of each site. A number of features,
both favourable and unfavourable, may very quickly be identified by a walkover survey. The
most consistent approach will be achieved by reference to a checklist of points, some of
which will require confirmation by other authorities (e.g. presence or proximity of services).
The objective of the walkover surveys should be to identify sufficient constraints to reduce
the number of possible sites to a maximum of three for further evaluation.
It is very important to hold informal prior consultations with chiefs, landowners and
communities before undertaking site visits, so that the process can be properly explained
and any potential misunderstandings prevented before they arise.
Table 3.1:
Checklist for walkover surveys (adapted from World Bank Tech. Paper 426, 1999)
Transport Aspect
A1
A2
To what point is all weather access presently available?

How long does it take to travel from the urban area to the nearest accessible point to the
site?
How far (by new or upgraded road) is the site from this point?
Will vehicles be able to gain access to all parts of the site (via site roads)?
Will access be unusually expensive to provide (large or long embankments, bridges,
cuttings)?
A3
A4
A5
B
Natural Features
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
Is the site presently well drained?

Are there established watercourses within or adjacent to the site?
Is there evidence of ephemeral streams, springs, or sinkholes?
Can high water table be inferred from the vegetation anywhere on the site?
Are surface water diversions likely to be extensive (considering the extent of the
catchment)?
From knowledge of the geology of the area, does the morphology of the site suggest
significant or minimum depths of soft material (for daily cover and other purposes)?
Are there areas within a few kilometres of the site, which may be suitable for borrow
material?
Is there any evidence of geological features on or near the site?
Are there any features, which will significantly limit the useful area of the site for landfilling?
B6
B7
B8
B9
page 25
Land Use
C1
C2
C3
C7
C8
What is the present land use of the site and the route of any access road to it?
What is the present land use in the immediate vicinity of the site and access route?
Are there likely to be any water abstractions (for drinking or livestock watering) downstream
of the site (for example, within 1 km)?
Are there any overhead power lines crossing the site?
Is there evidence of buried electrical cables or water pipes in the site?
Is there any evidence to suggest where the nearest points of water and electricity distribution
networks might be to the site?
Are there any places of historic or cultural significance nearby?
Is there likely to be a need for resettlement?
Public Acceptability
D1
Are there any significant population centres on the principal route to the site which will be
adversely affected by increased traffic volumes?
Is the site overlooked by, or overlooking, residential or commercial development, or sociopolitically sensitive sites?
Where are the nearest inhabited dwellings (e.g., farms)?
C4
C5
C6
D2
D3
4.4.6 Ranking of Candidate Landfill Sites

The results of the walkover surveys and the further evaluation discussed below are used to
narrow the options down to two or three sites for final, detailed evaluation and selection of
the preferred site. The evaluation should include any site put forward by the IAPs.
In ranking candidate landfill sites, numerous economic, environmental and public acceptance
criteria must be considered. These criteria inter-relate; for example, there are always
economic implications when candidate sites are sub-optimal in terms of environmental and/or
public acceptance characteristics.
a) Economic Criteria
Economic criteria relate to the cost of obtaining, developing and operating a site. They
include the following considerations:
1. Economies of scale. Larger sites are economically more attractive.
2. The possible incorporation of the site into a regional waste disposal system, either
immediately or in the future. This tends to make a site economically more attractive.
3. The lifespan of the landfill. In general, if it is to be economical, the landfill must cater for
the disposal of the waste stream over at least 10 years to justify the capital expenditure.
4. The distance of the landfill from the waste generation areas. This is directly proportional
to transport costs.
5. Access to the landfill site. This has cost, convenience and environmental implications,
especially if roads have to be constructed.
6. Security of land acquisition. The outright purchase or lease of a site from a single
undisputed owner is the ideal. Disputes and legal ambiguities can create major problems
later on.
7. The availability of on-site soil to provide low-cost cover-material. Importation of cover
increases operating costs.
8. The quality of the on-site soil. Low permeability clayey soils on site will reduce the cost of
containment liners and leachate control systems.
9. Exposed or highly visible sites. High visibility will result in additional costs being incurred
for screening.
10. Land availability and/or acquisition costs. These are often dependent on present or
future competitive land-uses, such as agriculture, residential development or mining.
page 26
11. Other miscellaneous economic or socio-economic issues. These may arise in particular
instances, e.g. where the displacement of local inhabitants must be addressed.
b) Environmental Criteria
Environmental criteria relate to the potential threat to the biotic and abiotic environment,
particularly to water resources. They include the following considerations:
1. The distance to ground or surface water. The greater this distance, the more suitable the
site is in terms of a lower potential for water pollution.
2. The importance of ground or surface water resources. The greater the resource value of
the water, the more sensitive the establishment of a landfill on account of the potential for
water pollution.
3. Topography and drainage. The landfill should not, either during its working lifetime or
after closure, intrude into the landscape or obstruct natural drainage.
4. The depth of soil on the site. The greater the availability of soil, the easier and more
cost-effective it will be for the landfill to satisfy cover material requirements for operation
and control of nuisances.
5. The quality of on-site soil. Low permeability soils reduce pollutant migration and are
therefore more suitable.
6. Valleys where temperature inversion could occur. This could promote the migration of
landfill gas and odours into populated areas.
7. The sensitivity of the receiving environment. The development of a site in a disturbed
environment, such as derelict mining land, would be preferable to a development in a
pristine environment.
c) Public Acceptance Criteria
Public acceptance criteria relate to such issues as the possible adverse impacts on public
health, quality of life, and local land and property values. They also relate to potential public
resistance to the development of a landfill site. Failure to meet the public acceptance criteria
may be a serious constraint to landfill site development. The following are important
considerations:
1. The displacement of local inhabitants. This will usually arouse public resistance.
2. Exposed sites with high visibility. These are less desirable than secluded or naturally
screened sites.
3. The sensitivity of the environment through which the access road(s) passes. The shorter
the distance to the site through residential areas, the more acceptable the site.
4. Prevailing wind directions. New landfills must be sited downwind of residential areas.
5. The distance to the nearest residential area or any other land-use which is incompatible
with landfilling. The greater the distance from incompatible land-uses, the lower the risk
of nuisance problems and hence resistance to the facility.
To protect the public from any adverse effects of a landfill operation, adequate buffer zones
around landfills must be properly acquired, demarcated, fenced and enforced. A buffer zone
is a set-back distance or separation between the boundary of the filling/dumping area and
residential or other developments. It may vary in width (see Table 4.2), depending on the
classification of the landfill, the site-specific factors affecting the environmental impact, and
the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the IAPs. In general, no
development may take place within a designated buffer zone. However, certain economic
activities such as forestry or agro-forestry may be carried out in a buffer zone, and will have
the beneficial effect of discouraging encroachment as well as creating a screen for the site.
page 27
Table 4.2 Buffer Zone Width

Landfill Category
Metropolitan/Municipal
Large Urban/Small Urban
Large Rural/Small Rural
Buffer Zone Width (m)

maximum
minimum
600
300
400
200
300
200
d) Ranking
The identified landfill sites are technically evaluated using the above criteria and ranked to
determine the best options. This can conveniently be done using a matrix with candidate
sites on one axis and selected criteria on the other (see Figure 4.2 for the minimum content
of such a matrix). The criteria should be appropriately weighted in order to reflect their
relative importance. For example, size might be scored out of 20 whereas access might be
scored out of 5. In general, the matrix should be so designed that the following aspects are
addressed:
Environmental impact;
Safety risk (public safety, occupational health);
Social impact;
Costs (acquisition, construction, operation and closure).
All identified sites are evaluated using the matrix. Scores are assigned for each criterion and
added together to provide a total for each site. Thereafter, sites are ranked from the highest
to the lowest.
4.4.7 Site Selection Report

The 2-3 top ranking environmentally and socially acceptable sites must now be compared to
one another in a fine screening exercise. As a first step, the sites are discussed with the
IAPs to obtain their input. This may result in amendment of the provisional ranking or the
complete elimination of certain sites.
Conceptual designs are then developed for each remaining candidate site. These designs
need to be taken to the point where approximate estimates can be made, for comparative
purposes, of the following:
Site capacity (in cubic metres of waste);

Volume of daily and final cover required;
Resources needed to install an adequate leachate control system;
Extent of surface water diversion works required;
Extent of works required to provide all-weather access to the site;
Cost of all the above, with the supplementary cost (if any) of importing lining and cover
material from elsewhere separately identified;
Impact on the waste collection system of using this site and the cost of providing any
extra resources (vehicles, transfer stations) for this service.
Costs should also be estimated for the initial purchase of the land and the value of any
eventual sale on completion for productive use. The estimated capacity of each site will
indicate the approximate time over which the initial development costs could be amortised
and the cost of supplying cover material would be spread. The estimate may then be used to
develop indicative costs per cubic metre of waste for those elements considered above
which are site specific.
The results of this fine screening, indicating the preferred candidate site, are then
documented, together with all the preceding steps, in a Site Selection Report.
page 28
page 29
Site N
Site 3
Site 2
Site 1
Candidate
Site
Figure 3.2
Distance
Lifespan
Access
Economic Criteria
etc.
Ground
water
Surface
water
Soil
depth
Setting
Environmental Criteria
Example of a Site Ranking Matrix for Candidate Landfills
etc.
Distance
Visibility
Wind
Public Acceptance Criteria

etc.
Total
Score
4.5 Public Debate

It is essential to gain public agreement on the selected site before initiating the process of
obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals. Failure to do so at this stage could lead to
unnecessary expense if there is negative public pressure later in the process, which would
necessitate returning to the site selection process. It is therefore essential to mount an
effective publicity campaign at this stage.
This may include the use of media such as FM radio, drama presentations and the like. The
Assembly, with the support of the Inter-Sectoral Planning Committee, should also organise a
well-publicised public meeting where the IAPs and any member of the public or NG0s can
present their opinions. The Committee should present the site selection process and explain
how the choices were made. If necessary, the site selection should be revised to take
cognisance of public opinion.
Once agreement is reached on the site, the next steps should be explained. Land
acquisition should also start at this stage, as this will typically take some considerable time to
complete. The preferred form of land acquisition would be on a lease covering the expected
working life and aftercare period of the landfill up till the time when no further leachate or gas
production is expected. This may be 30 or more years after closure for larger sites.
4.6 Scoping Report and Application for Environmental Permit

L.I. 1652 requires that a "Scoping Report" setting out the factors to be considered in an
Environmental Impact Assessment for the site be submitted to the EFIA along with the
application for an Environmental Permit to establish the landfill. It would generally follow the
lines of section 4.8 below, plus any other particular local considerations that the situation
may demand. As the EPA is a member of the Inter-Sectoral Planning Committee, this should
be quite straightforward.
The application should be made by the District Assembly in the form prescribed by the EPA,
accompanied by the requisite fee. A copy of the Site Selection Report should also be
submitted with the application.
4.7 Detailed Site Investigations

As a first step in the Feasibility Study, preliminary design and Environmental Impact
Assessment, detailed investigations should be made on the selected site. These shall
include subsurface exploration and a topographic survey. If the estimated cost is sensitive to
the cost of provision of environmental protection measures or the availability of cover
material on site, the second choice site shall also be considered.
The investigations, generally conducted using a drilling rig and a mechanical shovel
(backhoe), should be designed to confirm assumptions made in the conceptual designs on
the following:
Quantity of soil material available within the site for cover purposes;
Permeability of the base of the landfill and of the material to be used for final cover;
Bearing capacity of the base of the landfill;
Stability of any slopes to be cut;
Groundwater regime;
Baseline quality of ground and surface water.
These site investigations will be critical to the success of the siting and design of the landfill.
They should therefore be designed, supervised, and the results interpreted by an
page 30
experienced geotechnical engineer, supported by a hydrogeologist. From the results of the

site investigation programme, the estimates of cost and capacity of the preferred site(s) may
be firmed up, and the site selection confirmed.
4.8 Feasibility Report, Including Environmental Impact Statement

Following confirmation of the selected site, a feasibility report on the viability of developing it
as a properly managed disposal site should then be prepared. The report needs to
demonstrate clearly that the proposed development is viable in five areas:
Technical
Economic
Physical and environmental (including environmental impact)
Social and cultural
Legal
The report should begin with a summary of the process of selection, justifying the basis on
which the site was selected. The economic justification of the site needs to consider all
financial implications to the waste management system, including the following:
The current costs of waste disposal at the existing site(s) which is/are to be closed;
The expected cost of the design, construction, operation, completion, and aftercare of the
new landfill;
Closing down the existing site(s);
The current costs of collecting and transporting wastes to the new sanitary landfill;
Any proposed apportionment of costs between operating departments or benefiting
municipalities;
Any changes in cost recovery which may be expected during the lifetime of the new
landfill.
Such cost analyses should be expressed both as cash flow forecasts, so that the implications
on future budgets can be clearly seen, and in terms of net present value (NPV).
A key element of the feasibility report is the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This
should identify all significant environmental impacts, together with appropriate mitigation
measures (modifications to the conceptual design of the site) or a statement that the impact
is unavoidable. Table 4.3 sets out a checklist of points to be addressed by the EIS
Table 4.3: Content of a Typical Environmental Impact Statement for a Landfill
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.0
2.1
2.2
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
The proposed action

Purpose and justification
Project description
Proposed measures to mitigate environmental impact
Primary impact area
Existing conditions
Natural environment
Human-made environment
Environmental impacts
Topographic, geological, and soils
Water quality and drainage
Ecological community
Land use, zoning, and socio-economic functions
Aesthetic and landscape
Health
Air quality
Noise
Population displacement and resettlement
page 31
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
Unavoidable adverse impacts

Disruption of agricultural lands
Increased traffic
Modification of surface water drainage patterns
Alternatives to the proposed actions
No action
Alternatives to the project
Alternatives within the project
4.9 Final decision

A non-technical summary of the Feasibility Report should be prepared and submitted, along
with the Feasibility Report itself, to the IAPs for review. Their feedback must be incorporated
into a final draft of the Feasibility Report, which should then be sent to the Regional Office of
the EPA for final review and approval (or rejection).
The feasibility report should be the primary supporting document but the District Assembly
will need to present the case in a convincing manner, demonstrating clearly that:
There is an urgent need to improve current waste disposal practices;

The most appropriate way will be by developing and operating a long-term landfill;
The site chosen is the best available in the area;
The new landfill can and will be developed and operated to satisfactory environmental
standards;
The impact of its introduction on the waste collection system has been fully accounted;
The costs of the changes to the waste management system are reasonable and
affordable.
The EPA may decide to hold a further public hearing on the application, or may request
further information or modifications to the Feasibility Report. When the EPA is satisfied that
environmental considerations have been adequately addressed, it will issue the
Environmental Permit to the Assembly.
4.10 Site Acquisition

Parallel to the process of obtaining approval for the site, the acquisition process should also
be moved forward to the extent possible, as it is often time-consuming, especially if a number
of different land owners are involved. It may also take time for the Assembly to obtain the
necessary funds. Once approval has been obtained, the site acquisition should be finalised
as soon as possible.
The landfill site (including the buffer zone) may be acquired on a long lease covering the
whole period of filling and subsequent stabilisation (up to 30 years on larger sites). This
would usually involve an initial down payment with subsequent annual charges. The lease
agreement should state clearly the rehabilitation measures to be taken and the topography
and state in which the site is to be handed back to the owners. Alternatively, the Assembly
may purchase the land outright.
As soon as the land is acquired, the Assembly should take steps to secure it against
encroachment by fencing it and planting trees. (Agro)-forestry or other economic land-use
should be developed so as to further strengthen the Assemblys hold on the land.
page 32
5 Design of Landfills
5.1 General Design Considerations
Appropriate detailed design of the key features of each type of landfill is important to meet
minimum prescribed standards and planned operational methods. The following general
design requirements should be observed:
Landfills are to be designed taking into account the possibility of source separation and
reduction of waste;
Location should be such as to allow for no more than 60 km round-trip travel distance;
Bottom of fill should be at least 2m above the seasonally high groundwater table;
Location of fill should allow sufficient airspace, provide for adequate cover material, and
should be on the leeward side of settlements;
Landfill sites are to be properly acquired and should be in conformity with general landuse and district development plans;
The proposed end-use of the site should be considered when designing the final land
form.
Unless locally measured data are available, waste generation should be assumed to be
0.45 kg per person per day. In all cases, waste generation by major sources such as
markets with a catchment areas extending beyond the solid waste service area or
commercial and industrial undertakings should be estimated from field measurements.
For the landfill itself, the following figures should be used:
Compacted density: 0.8-0.9 T/m3

Settled density (after closure): 0.9-1.1 T/m3 for conventional landfill/dumping;
1.1-1.2 T/m3 for HDA landfill;
Design life: 10-30 years;
Aftercare period: 30-50 years.
The following sections set out detailed design parameters for the four types of landfill
specified in these Guidelines. Because of similarities between sanitary and HDA landfills,
and between mechanical and manual improved dumping, the parameters have been
condensed into two sections.
5.2 Design Parameters for Sanitary and HDA Landfills

Site Drainage
Provide perimeter drainage ditches. Design of drainage should be

in accordance with local rainfall, existing topography and soil
conditions. Perimeter drains are to be earth drains with trapezoidal
sections and top width of approximately 1.5-3.0 m and base slopes
not more than 10% to minimise erosion.
Where water table is high, perforated pipes or old tyres laid in rock
filled, clay covered trenches at the lower perimeter of the site are to
be provided for groundwater drainage. However, such sites are
generally to be avoided.
page 33
Access Roads
Site Facilities
Entrance
Fence
Landfill Liner
Access roads should allow two way traffic.

Permanent access roads should be 6m wide with single surface
dressing and 1m shoulder on each side.
If access roads are not surface-dressed, a wheel-washing facility
must be provided.
All temporary access roads constructed on fill should be provided
with a firm base and should be covered with suitable material to
allow adequate traction, particularly during the wet season.
Selected earth fill or 3x3 hardwood boards may be used for the
base of temporary roads. Sawdust may be used for improved tyre
traction.
Provide site office close to the entrance.
Site office should be furnished and should include a toilet, washing
area, changing room, etc.
Office space area should be at least 30 m2
A room shall be provided for eating, fitted with a washbasin and
adequately protected from litter, dust and vermin.
A store room shall be provided for hand tools, chemicals, etc.
A simple facility affording protection from sun and rain shall be
provided for the use of scavengers.
Should allow two way traffic and should be at least 8m wide.
Location of entrance should be along the main access road with
minimum or no traffic conflict.
Provide adequate notice board close to entrance.
Notice board should provide the following information inter alia:
Name of Landfill, Responsible Authority, Contact Address,
Operational Hours, Acceptable Types of Waste, Dumping Fees, etc.
Landscape and plant trees at site entrance to screen and present a
pleasing aspect of the site.
Provide fence 1.8 m high in chain link or barbed wire (placed @ 30
cm spacing). Fence is to allow containment of blown litter.
Vertical supports for fencing are to be provided in either concrete,
metal or wood at 2.5 3.0 m spacing.
Fast-growing trees or shrubs should be planted outside the
perimeter fence.
Provide liner with permeability about 10-7 cm.s-1 if field permeability
of subsoil is more than 10-6 cm.s-1.
Preferred liner type is 600mm clay material laid and compacted in
4 no. 150mm layers.
If availability of clay is very limited and no alternative can be found,
a geomembrane at least 1.5mm thick and properly jointed may be
used. It should be laid on a 150mm layer of sand or gravel and
covered by 2 no. 150mm layers of clay.
page 34
Leachate
Collection
(Figs. 5.1 & 5.2)
Leachate Disposal
Hazardous Waste
Disposal Cells
Provide adequate facilities for leachate collection, treatment and

disposal.
Provide 600mm diameter perforated pipes or old tyres with gravel
surround or 600x600mm gravel-filled drains to be used for leachate
collection.
Secondary collection of leachate may be effected by perforated
plastic, cement, clay or bundled bamboo pipes at least 200mm dia.
or by a crushed rock or gravel drainage layer at least 300mm thick.
Untreated leachate should be re-circulated onto fill.
Provide 1 no. anaerobic and 2 no. maturation basins having a total
area of 10 m2 per 1T/day landfill capacity for treatment and storage
of collected leachate.
If geology and water use permit, excess leachate may be infiltrated
in a drainfield. If not, further treatment in lagoons should be
provided as needed.
Untreated leachate should not drain into nearby surface waters.
Special cells are to be designated for disposal of hazardous waste

within the fill and special handling equipment employed.
The cells are to be cordoned off with no access to scavengers.
Each cell should be adequate for disposal of hazardous waste for
several months.
Landfill Equipment
(see Chapter 7)
Compactor for fill compaction.

Payloader or backhoe for excavation.
Bulldozer (D6/D8) for earth movement and compaction.
Weighbridge (25 T capacity).
Gloves, boots, overalls, etc. and annual medical check-ups for staff.
Gas Venting
Adequate gas management installations.

Gabions (1mx1m) or oil drums filled with boulders asbestos or PVC
pipes 200 mm diameter, or old tyres may be used. These should be
built up as lifts are completed.
Installation for gas flaring in situ. Gas vents are to be connected to
the leachate collection channels or pipes.
Where off-site migration of gases could threaten nearby buildings, a
barrier wall, that is, a trench backfilled or lined with a material such
as clay which is impermeable to landfill gas, should be installed in
addition to the vents.
On larger landfills, gas may be collected for conversion to electricity.
In such cases, specialist advice should be sought.
page 35
page 36
Section Through Leachate Collector
(Source: Technical Guidedline on Sanitary Landfill and Operation, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Malaysia)
Figure 5.1: Gas Venting and Leachate Collection Systems
Plan
Section Through Gas Vent
Figure 5.2: Typical Layout of Leachate Drainage System

(Source: Guia para el Diseo, Construccin y Operacin de Relleos Sanitarios Municipales, Jorge Jaramillo, WHO, 1991)
page 37
5.3 Design Parameters for Improved Dumping (Mechanical and Manual)

Site Drainage
Access Roads
Site Facilities
Entrance
Fence
Provide perimeter drainage ditches. Design of drainage should be

in accordance with local rainfall, existing topography and soil
conditions. Perimeter drains are to be earth drains with trapezoidal
sections and top width of at least 1.5 m with base slopes <10%.
Where water table is high, perforated pipes or old tyres laid in rockfilled, clay covered trenches at the lower perimeter of the site are to
be provided for groundwater drainage.
Access roads should allow two way traffic.
Permanent access roads should be 6m wide with single surface
dressing and 1m shoulder on each side.
If access roads are not surface-dressed, a wheel-washing facility
must be provided.
All temporary access roads constructed on fill should be provided
with a firm base and should be covered with suitable material to
allow adequate traction, particularly during the wet season.
Selected earth fill or 3x3 hardwood boards may be used for the
base of temporary roads. Sawdust may be used for improved tyre
traction.
Provide site office close to the entrance.
Site office should be furnished and should include a toilet, washing
area, changing room, etc.
Office space area should be at least 20 m2
A room shall be provided for eating, fitted with a washbasin and
adequately protected from litter, dust and vermin.
A store room shall be provided for hand tools, chemicals, etc.
A simple facility affording protection from sun and rain shall be
provided for the use of scavengers.
Should allow two way traffic and should be at least 8m wide.
Location of entrance should be along the main access road with
minimum or no traffic conflict.
Provide adequate notice board close to entrance.
Notice board should provide the following information inter alia:
Name of Landfill, Responsible Authority, Contact Address,
Operational Hours, Acceptable Types of Waste, Dumping Fees, etc.
Plant trees and landscape entrance area to present a pleasing
aspect.
Provide fence 1.8 m high in chain link or barbed wire (placed @ 30
cm spacing). Fence is to allow containment of blown litter.
Vertical supports for fencing are to be provided in either concrete,
metal or wood at 2.5 3.0 m spacing.
Fast-growing trees or shrubs should be planted outside the
perimeter fence.
page 38
Leachate
Management
(Fig. 5.3)
Hazardous Waste
Disposal Cells
Landfill Equipment
(ID Mechanical)
(see Chapter 7)
Landfill Equipment
(ID Manual)
(Fig. 5.4)
Provide adequate facilities for leachate collection. Collected

leachate should be allowed to infiltrate into the ground media.
Provide 0.6 x 1.2-1.5m deep main channels to link collector
channels at the lower perimeter of fill. All channels should have 2%
slope. All channels should be gravel filled.
The main channel is to be gravel filled up to 60% depth and
provided with baffles at 10m intervals to pond leachate and allow
infiltration. All baffles should have 0.3-0.5m freeboard above them.
Excess leachate is to be channelled to 2 no. basins each 0.8-1.0m
deep for storage, infiltration and evaporation. Basins should cover
an area of 10 m2 per 1T/day capacity.
Special cells are to be designated for disposal of hazardous waste
within the fill.
The cells are to be cordoned off with no access to scavengers.
Each cell should be adequate for disposal of hazardous waste for
several months.
31 HP tractor(s) (each tractor can be used to manage up to 20T of
waste per day) with the following relevant accessories per tractor for
ID (Mechanical):
Front blades for pushing and levelling;

Buckets for excavation;
Sheep footed heavy drums (rollers) for compaction;
Basic hand tools to include the following:
Spades, hoes, mattocks, picks, forks, rakes, wheelbarrows;

Manually operated rollers/compactors
Planks for wheelbarrows to run on, etc.
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page 40
Figure 5.3: Gas Venting and Leachate Collection Systems
Figure 5.4: Hand Tools for Manual Landfilling

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6 Upgrading Existing Dumping Sites

6.1 Introduction
Currently, almost all dumps in Ghana are characterised by undesirable operational practices:
Poor or entirely absent operational strategies or planning regarding the placement of

waste on site;
No control of waste types or quantities (guestimation of volumes of waste according to
the nominal capacity of trucks);
Slopes of wastes are either far too high or waste is spread haphazardly without reference
to any phased system;
There is a constant high risk of waste collapsing or slumping into low-lying areas during
the rainy season, exposing landfill workers and scavengers to further danger over and
above what they face from working in the unhealthy and dangerous conditions prevailing
on the dumps.
In many cases existing dumps are characterised by:
Poor access, which deteriorates further during the rainy season;

Littering and uncontrolled tipping on both sides of the access road;
Sites are not fenced and access is not controlled;
Sites present visual nuisances, pollution and unhealthy air emissions ( bad odours during
rainy season) and spontaneous fires due to methane emissions and introduction of
smouldering embers in placed waste.
Improvement of existing dumps is therefore an urgent priority. However, it should be borne

in mind that in many cases it may be better to start a new landfill site, since a great number
of existing sites are very poorly located. This will require political and financial commitment
from the District Assembly.
6.2 Site Assessment and Planning

The dumping site must be evaluated according to the same criteria as a new disposal site
(see Chapter 4). A decision to continue using the site should not be taken simply as a
means of putting off the political problems of reaching agreement with local residents and
landowners or chiefs. If the site is not suitable it should be closed as soon as a
replacement can be identified, acquired and developed.
Even if the existing site does meet selection criteria, it may still not be suitable since some of
its capacity will have been used up by the wastes already dumped. In general, upgrading will
not be economic for sites unless there is capacity to accept wastes for at least a further 5
years. During the evaluation period, a series of immediate actions (see section 6.3 below)
should be taken, as these will be required irrespective of whether the site is to be closed or
upgraded. If the site is found to be suitable for continued use, planing and design should be
carried out as for a new site, but also including plans for dealing with the existing waste (see
section 6.4 below). It may also be that the site has not been properly acquired; if this is the
case, then the necessary actions should be taken to acquire the site for the remainder of its
useful life.
In many cases it will be found that the site is not suitable and should be closed in favour of a
new one. It is, however, recognised that in such cases it will be necessary to continue
dumping for an interim period until such time as a new site becomes available. A realistic
estimate of this period must be made so that a dumping plan for the volume of waste to be
dumped during the period can be developed, with the objective of producing the best
page 42
possible final contours for promoting stability and drainage of the closed site. In some
circumstances it may even be preferable to continue dumping after the new site is open so
as to reach an acceptable final profile.
6.3 Immediate Actions

Whilst site assessment and evaluation are proceeding, the following actions should be taken:
Establishment of drains on the site perimeter to prevent stormwater inflows;

The extinguishing of all fires;
Levelling of any heaps on the existing dumpsite;
Covering with soil those parts of the dumpsite where no further dumping is expected in
the near future;
Spraying and other measures to reduce vector breeding (insects and rodents);
Installation of a fence to prevent encroachment;
Comprehensive survey of the dump and site layout to enable recording of site locations in
the event that dumping operations cease;
Measurement of the thickness of waste layers in several points to allow for planning
landscaping and the elimination of steep slopes.
6.3.1 Site Drainage

Major investments are not usually justified at this stage, so simple unlined drainage channels
should be established to divert run-off around the site. Where the nature of the site is such
that an unlined channel would be washed away by even moderate rainfall, the minimum
measures necessary to ensure the integrity of the channel should be taken. This may
include stone-pitching, the use of sand bags or any other technically feasible method.
6.3.2 Extinguishing Fires

All fires should be extinguished at this stage. It is preferable to avoid the application of water
for this purpose, as it is expensive and will also contribute to groundwater pollution by
creating more leachate. Burning areas should therefore be isolated by making a trench
around them. If the fire starts to blaze at this stage, it should be left to burn out.
If the fire continues to smoulder, the burning material should be spread out and drenched
with water. This may be done by the Fire Service or using a cess-pit emptier or water tanker.
6.3.3 Levelling
There is a tendency at uncontrolled dumpsites for wastes to accumulate in high and
potentially unstable heaps. These heaps are usually also poorly compacted and not
disposed in such a way as to facilitate stormwater drainage. The heaps should be re-shaped
to promote rainwater run-off, with gentle slopes to promote stability. During this process,
wastes being moved should be spread in layers about 0.5m thick and compacted by running
a bulldozer over them 4-6 times. Space should be left for immediate use during the
evaluation period.
6.3.4 Cover
Where the site is of such a size that it is not all going to be used during the evaluation period,
the areas which will not be used should be covered with a 0.5m layer of compacted soil, ash,
composted waste or clay of low permeability, gently sloped to promote run-off and planted to
minimise erosion.
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6.3.5 Vector Control Measures

The covering of unused areas and the elimination of pools of water or waterlogged areas
through site drainage and the re-shaping of the waste heap should have a major effect on fly
and mosquito breeding. If problems persist, the site may be sprayed with an appropriate
insecticide. Compaction and covering of the waste should also have a beneficial effect on
the rodent population. Again, if problems persist, poisons may be used.
6.3.6 Fencing
Fencing is important at all dumping or landfill sites to prevent encroachment, control waste
inputs to the site and reduce windblown litter. Chain-link fencing is the preferred type, but for
smaller dumps in rural areas, bamboo or other locally available materials may be used.
6.4 Upgrading
Where it is decided to continue using the site as one of the approved landfill types, the
existing wastes must be integrated into the new working system to be adopted. This is done
by establishing the upgraded landfill over or beside the existing waste.
On flat or gently sloping sites, little further work will be required on the existing wastes after
they have been spread, compacted and, if appropriate, covered. The site upgrading can
take place around the existing waste. If an HDA or sanitary landfill is to be established, with
a drainage layer or network under the landfilled waste, care should be taken to grade and
consolidate the capping layer before laying the drainage system over it. The permeability of
the consolidated capping layer should meet the liner specifications for the site in question
(see Chapter 5).
On valley and steeply sloping sites, more extensive intervention is required. A retaining bund
should be constructed on the downhill side of the dump. This may be made partly of
decomposed waste, but caution should be exercised to ensure that the mix of soil and
decomposed waste used will be structurally stable under all conditions likely to be
encountered. To further enhance stability, bunds should be covered with material of low
permeability. Drainage pipes through the bund should be provided so as to avoid liquid
accumulation and the possibility of catastrophic failure. If required, the drainage layer or
network is then laid over the graded, compacted and covered waste. Landfilling then
proceeds according to a planned sequence, with further bunds being constructed as required
to retain the waste within the final profile designed for the site.
Other features of the upgraded site should be in conformity with those for a new site, as set
out in Chapter 5.
6.5 Closure of Abandoned Dumps

Dumps which are to be abandoned should be closed in accordance with the relevant
guidelines (see Chapter 8). Since leachate containment was not a feature of the original
dump, care should be taken to contour and cover the site effectively with a stable and
impermeable clay capping material so as to minimise infiltration and future leachate
generation.
If the site is in an area where shallow groundwater resources require protection and if
topography and geology permit, leachate should be intercepted and drained to a suitable
watercourse, with prior treatment if necessary.
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Closed sites can usefully be converted into public amenities (football pitches are popular and
appropriate, but other uses may also be relevant) so as to avoid encroachment. The site
could also be used for tree planting. Any structures erected on the site before it has fully
stabilised (typically 30 years) will be subject not only to structural risks arising from
subsidence, but also to fire and asphyxiation risks arising from the seepage and
accumulation of landfill gas in closed spaces. If no use can be found for the site, then it
should be closed off to the public and fenced.
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7 Operation and Maintenance

7.1 Introduction
Landfill sites shall be operated better than an open dump and a simple well-organised
Operational Plan prepared during the site design shall be used to guide management of the
site. Local operations will vary according to conditions at individual sites, including the
nature of the terrain and the availability of equipment and personnel. The Operational Plan
shall be used to guide day-to-day and year-to-year operation so that landfill volume is
effectively used and environmental standards are met.
The basic factors influencing site operations and maintenance management are the waste
type and quantities to be handled. These will be defined at the design stage, ahead of
commencement of site operations. The waste type and quantity determine the machinery
and equipment to be employed and staff deployment and schedules.
The Operational Plan should outline the specifics of operations at the landfill site and indicate
aspects of daily, periodic, unscheduled and emergency activities and alternatives for
inclement weather operations. It should also set out detailed aftercare procedures. It
includes the Environmental Management Plan, required by the EPA as a condition for
continued operation of the facility and renewed every three years.
7.2 Operations
7.2.1 Access Roads
Access roads shall be kept in good condition, regularly maintained and repaired to allow
vehicles to deposit their waste loads quickly and efficiently. Road inspection and
maintenance clearing, grading, filling of potholes shall be done on regular basis.
7.2.2 Sign-Posting
At each entrance of the landfill a sign shall be erected and maintained with letters of
sufficient size and colour contrast so that it may be read at a distance of 30m by a person
with normal vision, stating the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Name of facility;
Schedule of days and hours the facilities shall be opened;
Speed limit applicable to all vehicles on the site;
Maximum and minimum rates for use of the facility (if applicable);
Name and address of operating body;
Telephone numbers for contact and reporting of problems;
The waste types received at the site and corresponding disposal fees, if any;
Unauthorised Persons Not Allowed.
7.2.3 Site Controls

Landfill sites shall have a gatehouse and office for checking of vehicles, record keeping,
traffic control and direction of vehicles to the working face. The gatehouse is the first part of
the landfill that users and visitors encounter, hence the gatehouse attendant should be
responsible for controlling who enters the landfill site and where they end up doing the
business for which they were granted access. Specifically the following shall be ensured at
the site entrance always:
Authorised persons gate keeper/security guard shall be on duty at all times during
operating hours of the landfill;
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The facility shall have a weighbridge to check the weight of waste being deposited. If
there is no weighbridge, the volume of each incoming load of waste shall be estimated;
Waste vehicles shall be inspected at the gate for possible transfer of fire to the landfill
site;
Vehicles shall be checked to ensure that they do not carry waste not allowed into the
landfill site;
Premises shall be secured with fences and locked gates so as to permit no access after
operating hours of the landfill;
Personnel at the landfill site shall arrive early to prepare site before the arrival of
collection vehicles and to direct the day-to-day maintenance activities at the site;
Payment and Billing Control: all customers shall be required to make proper payment, if
applicable. The attendant should record all transactions including the waste transporters
identity, license number and the origin of the waste delivered.
7.2.4 Waste Acceptance and Monitoring

All incoming vehicles shall be subject to preliminary visual inspection for unauthorised waste
types via an elevated observation post or other facility. In addition, the inspector (the gate
attendant can perform this duty) will make a random selection of vehicles for detailed
inspection. Drivers of closed vehicles (such as compaction trucks) shall declare the type of
waste they are carrying. This should be cross-checked by landfill staff at the tipping area.
Sanctions shall be applied to those making false declarations.
7.2.5 Waste Deposition and Compaction

The Operational Plan shall indicate the stages and procedures for waste placement and
equipment deployment to achieve planned compaction performance and air-space utilisation.
Specific working face operational procedures include:
Incoming vehicles shall be directed to the appropriate area/cell of the working face to off
load.
Waste shall be deposited in thin layers no more than 0.6m in depth for good compaction.
Cells shall be fenced temporarily to collect litter during waste deposition.
Daily working area shall be kept as small as possible in order to minimise the area of
waste material exposed during the operating day.
Each layer of waste deposited shall be compacted to reduce the likelihood of instability
and settlement problems in future, and to give the best density. On HDA landfills the
waste shall be re-compacted after 1-2 weeks.
To avoid creating large voids within the landfill, bulky waste such as old furniture,
baskets, cages, packaging etc. shall be crushed before compacting and spreading.
The working face shall be developed on a slope of 20%, with waste deposited at the toe
of the working face and worked up the slope rather than down. This way waste is spread
thinly and littering is minimised. Alternatively, wastes may be laid in level strips allowing
for extra compaction by in-coming vehicles.
Cells shall be demarcated to accept various types of special waste e.g. health care
wastes, industrial, chemical, hazardous, food waste etc.
A supervisor shall be at the landfill to see to the proper operation of the landfill during the
operating hours, monitor data and inspection reports, direct and implement all operational
decisions to ensure compliance.
When excessive settlement is seen, additional waste shall be placed in the depression to
restore the shape.
Final cover (minimum of 0.6m) shall be applied to all surfaces where the final approved
elevation has been reached and on all surfaces when the landfill operation is closed.
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Where cells are used for depositing wastes (sanitary landfill), temporary bund walls are built
up to provide sides and an end to each cell. The bunds are constructed of spoil or other inert
waste. The initial bund should be of fairly low permeability material in order to prevent
surface water infiltrating into the cell.
As the whole of the cell is filled to the top of the bund, another bund wall is raised diagonally
at each successive filling. The raised diagonal bunds are built at a suitable angle, as steep
as practical (the gradient should be specified in the Operational Plan). The surface of the
bunds should be graded to form a smooth batter, so that rainwater is encouraged to drain off
into an interceptor ditch. This run-off is then dealt with as clean surface water.
To control the filling operation, and to limit the exposed area of the fill, thus reducing the
infiltration of rainfall and thereby limiting leachate generation, each cell is of a size that to fill
to final level and cap off will take a planned duration of about one year. Sub-cells can be
constructed within a larger cell to bring each section up to final level at the right time of year
for capping.
7.2.6 Special Waste Cells

Hazardous waste, chemicals and carcasses of dead animals shall not be disposed of
together with normal solid waste. Separate cells shall be allocated at the landfill where these
wastes are disposed of. The following procedures shall be followed:
1. Health care wastes and carcasses shall covered immediately with chlorinated lime and a
layer of cover material;
2. Other cells shall be established for the specific types of special wastes received at the
site and operated under the direction of the Site Manager;
3. A signboard shall be erected by each special waste cell to identify the type of waste that
can be deposited therein;
4. Detailed records and maps of all special wastes disposed of on the site shall be
maintained;
5. The area containing the special waste cells shall be fenced off from the rest of the site
and access restricted to personnel specifically authorised by the Site Manager;
6. There shall be strict control at the site entrance to guarantee that hazardous waste, be it
industrial or health care waste, is separated from normal municipal waste;
7. Normal waste that has been mixed with hazardous waste shall be treated as hazardous
waste;
8. To ensure adequate control, special training of the personnel at the site entrance shall be
provided.
7.3 General Maintenance and Control

The Site Manager shall always have a copy of the Operational Plan available. This shall be
updated after 2-3 months' operation once initial operational problems have been solved and
procedures fully established. It shall be further updated annually, following a topographical
survey of the landfill to check the filling rate and a review of the adequacy of gas and
leachate monitoring arrangements. A map identifying areas used for special wastes (health
care, hazardous, industrial, etc.) shall also be maintained.
A detailed maintenance schedule shall. be instituted for the following:
1. Collection and disposal of litter
2. Relocation of fences for litter management
3. Maintenance of drains
4. Gate and perimeter fence maintenance
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7.3.1 Litter Control

The credibility of site operations is judged firstly by the control of windblown litter. The site
operation and maintenance procedures should be so as to minimise littering. Size of working
face and the method used for placing and spreading waste all influence the effort required in
controlling littering:
Waste shall be discharged at the bottom/toe of the working face this prevents rubbish
being blown about as against the case where the waste is placed on top of the working
face and exposed on the windward slope.
Portable temporary litter screens shall be installed around the working face of the landfill
to collect/attract litter. Moveable screens of size 1.5m high and 2.0m wide may be
employed.
Litter patrols by landfill workers within and outside the edge of the landfill shall be
organised daily to collect litter not captured by screens.
7.3.2 Fence
Fencing the landfill site with wire mesh of appropriate size and suitable height, and planting
trees for buffering ensures that site boundaries are preserved and control access to the site
by stray animals and unauthorised persons. Inspection of the perimeter fence and ensuring
that it is always repaired where damage is detected is an important routine duty at a landfill
site.
7.3.3 Drains
Drains are required within the site to collect runoff and leachate and around the site
perimeter to cut off run-in onto placed waste and for the disposal of storm water.
All drains shall be kept clean and all cracks and uneven areas rectified to avoid chokages
and mosquito breeding.
7.3.4 Leachate Control and Monitoring

In order to minimise leachate production, all run-off from outside the site, from capped areas
and from unused areas awaiting fill must be intercepted by suitable drainage ditches. Where
necessary, culverts shall be constructed to allow the water to pass under site roads, bunds or
other obstacles. These waters, which may be discharged without treatment, shall be strictly
segregated from leachate and run-off from operational areas of the landfill.
As operational areas are opened up for use, it must be ensured that the linings and
underdrains conform to the specification for the landfill in question. All leachate and run-off
from these operational areas must be intercepted and prevented from direct access to
surface water and public drainage systems.
The following operational requirements shall be observed:
Leachate collection pipes shall be constructed and maintained to ensure free flow of
leachate;
Once every 2 weeks, all main leachate drainage channels are to be cleared of growing
weeds, accumulated sand and objects that could cause blockage.
Once every 2-3 years, all main leachate drainage channels shall be drained and cleaned
of accumulated sludge. Where the channels are filled with gravel, such gravel shall be
removed, washed and dried before placement.
Leachate disposal system shall be inspected on a daily basis and maintained in a
manner which will prevent anaerobic and malodorous conditions from developing.
page 49
Minimum monitoring requirements are set out in sections 7.5 and 7.6 below.
7.3.5 Fire
Open burning and its attendant smoke cover and deposition of ash and particulate matter on
areas several kilometres away from landfills is one main complaint made by nearby
communities. Therefore open burning on landfill sites shall not be permitted and fire
outbreaks shall be extinguished immediately to prevent it from spreading.
Burning areas should be isolated by making a trench around them. If the fire starts to blaze
at this stage, it should be left to burn out. If the fire continues to smoulder, the burning
material should be spread out and drenched with water until the fire is extinguished. This
may be done by the Fire Service or using a cess-pit emptier or water tanker.
7.3.6 Vermin Control

Regular inspections for the detection and destruction of rodents shall be carried out. Anti-fly
measures (earth cover, removal of reasonable preventable condition (RPCs) and spraying)
for the destruction of flies shall be carried out to reduce and eliminate fly nuisance. During
the poisoning of rodents, adequate signs shall be displayed to inform landfill workers, visitors
and scavengers of possible dangers.
7.3.7 Scavenging
Owing to the desirable promotion of recycling and re-use scavenging is unavoidable at this
stage but should become a better organised auxiliary activity. For aesthetic reasons,
scavenging shall be confined to a specific area of the facility so that they do not interfere with
normal operations. The following should be observed regarding scavenging operations:
The scavengers should organise themselves and provide to management a regularly

updated list of recognised scavengers. Management shall have the absolute right to
allow or disallow these scavengers access to the site;
No minors shall be permitted to engage in scavenging on the site;
Scavengers to operate only at times and places designated by management, and in any
case well away from heavy equipment;
An area shall be designated by management for the temporary storage of recovered
materials;
Only material of types agreed between the scavengers and management may be
removed from the site;
Scavengers shall be informed about health and occupational risks and how these risks
can be avoided or minimised in general;
A basic minimum of protective clothing (nose masks, hand gloves and heavy boots) shall
be used by all scavengers, at their own cost. Scavengers who refuse to use such
clothing should be excluded from scavenging at the site;
Scavengers shall have access to the landfills first aid service in case of injury;
Toilet facilities shall be provided (either special facilities or access to the site facilities) for
the scavengers so as to avoid free-range defecation on the landfill.
7.3.8 Structures/Facilities
To meet health and safety standards it is required that all structures and facilities meet laid
down regulations. To enhance the landfill operations and the public perception structures
and facilities should provide a pleasing amenity. To achieve these the following minimum
standards should be observed:
All buildings on the site shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent the
harbouring of rodents.
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Adequate toilet facilities shall be provided and maintained for the use of employees and
all other persons who have business on the premises.
Provision shall be made for washrooms and cloakrooms and the Site Manager shall
ensure that workers who are in direct contract with waste wash down and change their
clothes after the days work and before leaving landfill site.
An approved sanitary drinking water supply shall be provided and maintained on the
premises.
All landfill sites shall have facilities for emergency first-aid equipment to provide adequate
treatment of accidents.
Minimum appropriate communication facilities (telephone, radio etc.) must be provided to
enable rapid communication in case of personal or environmental accidents.
7.3.9 Gas Control and Monitoring

Landfill gas is one of the significant ways a landfill site can affect the immediate environment,
so management of landfill gas and its monitoring on and within the immediate environs of the
landfill site is very important. Monitoring for landfill gas and leachate are two different
operations and should be separated as far as is practicable. Care must be exercised when
monitoring gas and to avoid using leachate monitoring equipment carelessly in gas
monitoring boreholes.
The following gas control measures should be adopted:
Gravel or rock filled gas interception ditches shall be constructed around the perimeter of
the site and wells or pipes inserted into the surface of the landfill to act as passive vents.
Gas wells shall be ignited to oxidise the methane gas.
Any instance of unexpected smells of landfill gas issuing from the landfill, or the dying
back of vegetation, either of which could indicate unplanned gas seepages, should be
followed up and extra vents inserted if found necessary.
The gas venting system should be monitored weekly to ensure that gas vents are in
place and that they have not deteriorated due to corrosion and that stone gas drainage
channels have not been eroded away or suffered damage from burrowing animals.
Monitoring positions should be reviewed quarterly (as part of the quarterly site survey) to
ensure that new collection points are incorporated as needed in the monitoring
programme.
7.4 Overall Management

7.4.1 Licensing Procedures
In order to obtain a licence the operator must submit details (see Annex B) to prove that it:
1. Is registered with the Registrar General's Department as an environmental sanitation
service provider or is a recognised community organisation;
2. Has sufficient financial resources to guarantee satisfactory management of the landfill for
at least three months without payment;
3. Has staff with demonstrable technical competence and successful experience of vehicle
and equipment management over a period of at least two years;
4. Has sufficient numbers of staff, trained to a level consistent with the safe and hygienic
provision of the services to be licensed. Where the Assembly does not consider that the
proposed staff are sufficiently experienced or knowledgeable, it may require them to
undergo approved training at the licensee's expense prior to a licence being issued;
5. Has clearly signed offices, accessible to the public and equipped to accept complaints
and ensure that action is taken on them.
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The operator must also submit an operation and maintenance manual and Environmental
Management Plan for approval by the Assembly.
If the application is approved by the Assembly, the operator must pay the prescribed annual
licence fee. This may be renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance, updating of
the licensing information and payment of the current annual fee set by the Assembly.
In addition to the above, the operator must provide the following documentation to maintain
the licence:
A revised version of the operation and maintenance manual prepared after 3 months'
operations and incorporating practices validated in action;
Annual reports on operations to be used by the Assembly and the EPA in assessing the
continued adequacy of the operator;
Every three years, an update of the Environmental Management Plan.
7.4.2 Operation Agreement

Annex A sets out a sample landfill operation agreement. Each individual agreement will
depend on local circumstances, but should cover at least the following:
Operational procedures, including waste reception and placement, with reference to the
Operational Plan and Environmental Management Plan for the site;
Site development and construction details;
Site restoration and aftercare requirements;
Environmental monitoring and protection requirements;
Record-keeping and reporting;
Freedom of access for Assembly and EPA staff;
User fees, prices and price escalation;
Sanctions;
Provision and maintenance of a performance bond
Notice and termination of the contract.
7.4.3 Record Keeping

For both quality control and management purposes proper records, which shall be available
for inspection at any time by the Assembly or the EPA, shall be kept of the following:
For each load:

Time of entry,
Type of waste (household, commercial, hazardous, industrial, demolition debris etc.),
Detailed description of all hazardous wastes,
Origin of the waste (generator and transporter),
The identification code of the vehicle delivering the waste,
Weight (or if the weighbridge is out of service, the estimated volume) of the waste;
The cell in which any special waste is placed in the landfill;
Quantities of reclaimed waste;
Staffing levels, daily attendance at work, employment details of all personnel;
Accidents and their causes;
Items of equipment, uniform, protective clothing issued etc.;
Equipment maintenance.
In addition, a register of all monitoring data (see 7.5 and 7.6 below) on leachate, surface
water and groundwater must be kept.
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There shall at all times be an up-to-date site map showing at least:
Areas where special or hazardous wastes have been filled;

Operational areas;
Leachate drainage layout;
Areas capped;
Future steps in the landfilling plan;
Site topography
7.4.4 Health and Safety

Health and safety procedures are very important if undue attraction of the public attention is
to be avoided. In general, drivers of haulage trucks need to be alert on site to avoid
accidents. Operatives should be properly trained and use care in off-loading containers and
tipping vehicles. Other requirements include the following:
Landfill personnel shall be provided with personal protective clothing (overalls, wellington
boots, gloves, nose marks, goggles, hard hats etc.)
Safety equipment shall be kept clean and serviceable at all times
Landfill personnel shall undergo pre-employment medical examination. Thereafter this
shall be repeated annually
Regular in-service training shall be organised for all personnel in personal hygiene, waste
classification, hazardous waste disposal procedures, possible hazards, emergency
procedures in case of fire, exposure to toxic wastes etc.;
Fire/emergency evacuation drills should be held, without notice, at least annually;
All staff shall undergo basic first aid training;
A specific employee should be designated and trained to be responsible for first aid and
ensuring that the first aid cabinet is adequately stocked;
All accidents, however minor, shall be recorded and reported monthly. A safety culture
shall be encouraged through incentives for extended individual and collective accidentfree periods and the analysis of accidents with the full involvement of all staff;
No smoking shall be allowed on the site;
Sale and consumption of food shall be restricted to designated areas.
page 53
7.5 Specific Requirements for Sanitary/HDA Landfills

Staffing
1 labourer per 100T waste/ day, plus an overall Site Supervisor.
Fill Placement and

Cell Formation
For sanitary landfills, waste is to be placed in layers 0.6m thick,

compacted to 0.3m with at least 4 passes of the compactor and
appropriately covered with suitable materials to form cells.
For sanitary landfills, each days waste shall be accommodated in a
cell with a total height of 2.0m.
For HDA landfills, waste is to be placed in layers 0.6m thick and
compacted to 0.3m with 6-8 passes. It should be shredded, aerated
and re-compacted after 1 week with 2 passes by the compactor.
For HDA landfills, each cell should cover an area equivalent to the
annual waste tonnage expressed in square metres.
Where filling is above ground level, bunds shall be created to
contain the waste.
Waste is to be placed in strips and levels to form terraces for
stability and compaction. Each level is to have a lift of 4.0m for
sanitary landfill and 0.3m for HDA landfills.
Side slopes should not exceed 1:3.
Wet weather cells are to be located close to the entrance.
Cover Material
Monitoring
Cover material is to be excavated in phases during the dry season.

Excavated topsoil is to be stored for use as final cover material.
Daily cell cover (applicable to sanitary landfills only) should have a
thickness of 0.1-0.15m.
Intermediate cover should be applied to all areas of fill not expected
to be used for 3 months or more.
Final cover should have a thickness of 0.4-0.6m placed in two layers
each of 0.2-0.3m thickness, and 1 month apart to allow for
settlement.
Slopes on covered areas are not to be less than 2% to avoid
ponding, and not to exceed 20% to avoid erosion.
Periodically re-grade completed and sealed surfaces to avoid
subsidence due to differential settlement.
Weekly measurements shall be made on site of leachate flow, pH,
temperature and conductivity.
Monthly leachate samples shall be analysed for COD, chloride,
ammoniacal nitrogen, cyanide and heavy metals to be stipulated by
the EPA on a site-specific basis.
The same parameters plus pH and conductivity shall be monitored
monthly at surface water sites and boreholes to be stipulated by the
EPA on a site-specific basis.
The results of these analyses shall be compiled in a register to be
available on request to District Assembly or EPA officials.
page 54
7.6 Specific Requirements for Improved Dumping (Mechanical/Manual)

Staffing
Fill Placement and

Cell Formation
Cover Material
Monitoring
1 labourer per 10-20 T waste/ day, plus an overall Site Supervisor

for Improved Dumping (Mechanical).
1 labourer per 2.5 T waste/ day, plus an overall Site Supervisor for
Improved Dumping (Manual).
Waste is to be placed in cells in layers of 0.4-0.6m thickness,
compacted to 0.2-0.3m and covered with appropriate materials.
Each cell shall be designed based on 20-30 days use and a height
of 1.5m.
Waste is to be placed in strips and levels to form terraces for
stability and compaction. Each level is to have a lift of 3.0m.
Side slopes should not exceed 1:3.
Wet weather cells are to be located close to the entrance.
Cover material is to be excavated in phases during the dry season.
Excavated topsoil is to be stored for use as final cover material.
Periodic cell cover should have a thickness of 0.1-0.15m. Suitable
materials e.g. saw dust or rice husk, etc. should be separated from
the waste stream to be used for cell cover. Alternatively, degraded
waste or ash may be used as cell cover.
Slopes on covered areas are not to be less than 2% to avoid
ponding, and not to exceed 20% to avoid erosion.
Final cover should have a thickness of 0.4-0.6m placed in two layers
each of 0.2-0.3m thickness, and 1 month apart to allow for
settlement.
Periodically re-grade completed and sealed surfaces to avoid
subsidence due to differential settlement.
Quarterly measurements shall be made on site of leachate flow and
temperature.
Quarterly leachate samples shall be analysed for conductivity, pH,
COD, chloride, ammoniacal nitrogen, cyanide and heavy metals to
be stipulated by the EPA on a site-specific basis.
The same parameters shall be monitored bi-annually at surface
water sites and boreholes to be stipulated by the EPA on a sitespecific basis.
The results of these analyses shall be compiled in a register to be
available on request to District Assembly or EPA officials.
page 55
7.7 Landfill Equipment Requirements

Type of Landfill
Improved Dumping
HDA Landfill
Sanitary Landfill
Daily Tonnage
20
50
150
50
150
500
50
150
500
Equipment Required
Compactor
Bulldozer D8
Bulldozer D6
Tractor/Attachments
Payloader
Tipper (5m3)
Water Tanker (4m3)
Water Trailer (2m3)
1
**
-
2
**
**
1
1
1
**
**
1
1
1
**
**
1
1
1
**
**
1
2
2
1
**
1
-
1
1
1
**
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
2
1
2
2
2
-
** Occasionally required; can be hired from other sources
page 56
8 Landfill Closure, Restoration and Aftercare

8.1 Introduction
Landfill closure, restoration and aftercare are very important final processes in the operation
of a landfill. The proper closure of a landfill should be preceded by restoration. This is to
ensure that the site fits its immediate environs and is amenable to its proposed end-use as
determined when the Environmental Permit was initially obtained or during corrective closure
of unplanned existing sites. Aftercare is required once the operation has ceased, to ensure
sustained acceptability.
8.2 Aftercare
Aftercare requirements will depend on the circumstances of each individual landfill site.
However, as a general rule, aftercare will be required for a minimum of 30 years for the
Metropolitan and Municipal landfill categories, 20 years for Urban and 10 years for Rural
landfills.
The landfills Operational Plan and operation and maintenance manual should give detailed
specifications of aftercare requirements and procedures. These are to be written into the
Environmental Permit.
8.3 Closure and End-Use

In practice, an Assembly may either close its open dumps when a replacement upgraded
landfill site is opened or, alternatively, convert its open dumps to operate as upgraded
landfills, where ground water pollution is not critical and where there is void space to justify
the cost and effort of conversion (see Chapter 7).
All landfills must be closed and restored in conformity with applicable licence or permit
conditions and a closure plan appropriate for the type of landfill concerned. After closure the
holder of the licence will still be responsible for its care for a period of 30 years.
Where an unimproved dump is to be closed there will obviously be no licence conditions.
However, the Assembly should, with EPA approval, develop and execute a closure plan and
will still retain liability for a period of 10, 20 or 30 years (see 8.2 above).
Properly restored landfill sites can be used to the benefit of society. Such end-uses include
open space which may be used for sports and recreational purposes. Structures cannot be
built on closed landfills until complete stabilisation takes place, which may take several
decades. Potential problems include on-going settlement and the possible generation of
landfill gas. It is therefore important to ensure that the use of such sites is restricted to
activities not subject to these hazards.
8.4 Closure Plan

The closure of any landfill must be preceded by the preparation of a design clearly setting out
requirements for the closure. Such requirements include remedial work on drainage,
leachate management and cover integrity.
The closure plan, which for new landfills must be included in the initial plan, should include:
Remedial design to address identified problem areas;

Final shaping and landscaping
page 57
Final landfill cover or cap design;

Permanent storm water diversion measures, runoff control and anti-erosion measures;
and
Any infrastructure relating to the selected end-use.
8.5 Closure and Post-Closure Care Approval Requirements

The private operator of a sanitary landfill should notify the District Assembly of intention to
suspend or terminate operations at the landfill. Notice of suspension should be 90 days and
of termination, 180 days.
The following specific requirements must be fulfilled for care approval to be given:
1. The landfill must be inspected by the Assembly and the EPA to verify that all closure
requirements have been met. Approval of the closure is to be given in writing by the
Assembly and the EPA if the requirements have been met.
2. No person or company shall contract to sell or lease any land which has been utilised as
a sanitary landfill facility at any time unless the contract of sale for the land describes
such use and the period of time that the land was so utilised, as required in (3) below.
3. Upon written request, any prospective purchaser of such land may obtain from the
District Assembly a history of compliance by the landfill with all applicable statutes, rules
and regulations.
4. Upon closure of a landfill, a detailed description of the landfill shall be recorded along with
the deed, by the District Assembly concerned. The description shall include the general
types and locations of wastes, the depth and type of cover material, the period the landfill
was in use and all such other information as may be of interest to potential land owners,
and shall remain on the record in perpetuity.
5. The District Assembly or the EPA may require the amendment of an engineering design
and closure and post-closure care plan at any time it is deemed necessary during the
landfills operation, closure or post-closure care period.
6. A copy of the approved closure and post-closure care plan shall be kept on file at the
landfill during the course of the landfills operation.
8.6 Disruption of Landfills

Approval of the standards for disruption of landfills shall be in accordance with the following:
The EPA shall give written approval prior to any excavation, disruption or removal of any
deposited material from either an active, terminated or closed landfill.
All such requests shall include an operation plan stating the area involved, the depth of
the excavation with final grades, the site where excavated material is to be re-deposited
and the estimated time required for completion of excavation procedures.
Adequate measures shall be taken during excavation to control dust, odours, fires,
rodents, insects, blowing litter, surface water run-on and erosion.
All excavation shall be confined to an area consistent with the number of units of digging
equipment or trucks used for haulage.
8.7 Restoration
Restoration of landfill sites is of importance because it ensures that the final state of the site
is environmentally safe. Some of the conditions relate to the surrounding water bodies, final
cover, capping, top soil application and vegetation. Apart from this there are some important
procedures with regard to monitoring, leachate and gas management.
page 58
8.7.1 Monitoring
The District Assembly is the primary supervisor of the landfill. Upgraded landfills should be
designed to provide an acceptable level of environmental protection. They should also
include systems for monitoring that protection. Monitoring requires technical resources to
carry out and interpret the end results. Boreholes and sampling points to monitor the quality
of groundwater should be installed at site preparation stage.
For unimproved landfills, monitoring arrangements should be planned and established in
consultation with the EPA and taking into account the environmental risks associated with
the closed landfill.
8.7.2 Leachate Reduction

Limiting the amount of water which gets into the waste will reduce the amount of leachate
produced, though this will also retard the degradation of wastes and the final stabilisation of
the landfill. There are a number of simple design and operation measures to reduce
leachate generation. These include the placement and compaction of adequate final cover,
the selection of suitable vegetation types and effective drainage. Managing the surface runoff is important not only to reduce leachate but also to reduce flooding which could destabilise slopes and cause slips.
8.7.3 Gas Control Systems

Gas is generated in a landfill as wastes decompose. Gas will start to be given off within a
few weeks of wastes being deposited, and may be generated for many decades after the site
is closed. Landfill gas can migrate considerable distances from the landfill site. Landfill gas
contains methane, which is potentially explosive. Carbon dioxide, the second main
constituent of landfill gas, can cause asphyxiation. Landfills can be designed to collect and
vent or burn the landfill gas, as well as to reduce off-site migration. Flaring methane, a
strong greenhouse gas, reduces its impact on the atmosphere.
page 59
List of References
1. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Minimum Requirements for Waste Disposal by
Landfill, second edition, DWAF, South Africa, 1998
2. Environmental Protection Agency, Guidelines for the Development and Management of
Landfills in Ghana, EPA, 1998
3. Government of Ghana, Environmental Sanitation Policy, MLGRD, 1999
4. Jaramillo J., Guia para el Diseo, Construccin y Operacin de Rellenos Sanitarios
Manuales, WHO, 1997
5. Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Malaysia, Technical Guideline on Sanitary
Landfill Design and Operation, Draft, 1990
6. Oeltzschner H. & Mutz D., Guidelines for an Appropriate Management of Landfill Sites,
GTZ, 1996
7. Rushbrook P. & Pugh M., Solid Waste Landfills in Middle- and Lower- Income Countries,
World Bank, 1999
8. U.K. Department of the Environment, Waste Management Paper 26B: Landfill Design,
Construction and Operational Practice, HMSO, 1995
page 60
Annex A: Sample Landfill Operation Agreement

THIS AGREEMENT is made this ***** day of *****, ***** between the ***** District Assembly
of the ***** Region of the Republic of Ghana (hereinafter called the Assembly which
expression shall where the context so admits or requires include its successors-in-office and
assigns) of the one part and ***** of ***** (hereinafter called the Operator which expression
shall where the context so admits or requires include its successors-in-interest and assigns)
of the other part.
WHEREAS:
a) The Assembly intends to provide solid waste disposal services at the ***** Landfill
(hereinafter called the Landfill) and has accepted an offer by the Operator to provide the
said solid waste disposal services (hereinafter called the Services);
b) The Operator having represented to the Assembly that they have the required expertise,
personnel and technical resources, have agreed to provide the Services on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH as follows:
Article 1: Definitions
1.1
The Applicable Law is the Laws of Ghana and the relevant Bye-Laws of the
Assembly
1.2
Health Care Waste is Solid and Liquid Waste produced by public and private human
health care and veterinary facilities, including hospitals, clinics, maternity homes,
alternative health care providers, laboratories, pharmacies, chemists, mortuaries,
funeral homes, veterinary clinics and research facilities, including: General Wastes
similar in character to Municipal Solid Wastes except that they are produced within a
medical facility; Infectious Wastes generated by both in-patients and out-patients
which are known or likely to contain pathogenic micro-organisms from blood or other
body fluids, including sharps (needles, blades, slides etc.), dressings, swabs,
syringes etc.; Pathological Wastes comprising body parts and tissues arising from
amputations, surgical operations, autopsy (post-mortem) and childbirth; Hazardous
Wastes comprising pharmaceutical wastes (expired or discarded drugs and their
containers), radioactive wastes and laboratory wastes (acids, alkalis, solvents,
cultures, specimens, organic chemicals, heavy metals); and lncinerator Ash and
Sludge.
1.3
Hazardous Waste is waste which is toxic, flammable, corrosive, highly reactive,

explosive, radioactive or otherwise dangerous as defined by the Environmental
Protection Agency (hereinafter referred to as "the EPA"), also including motor oil,
diesel fuel, petrol, paint, solvents, dry cell and vehicle batteries, pesticides, metallic
and/or oily sludges or solvents from commercial and industrial establishments and
asbestos materials.
1.4
Leachate is the liquid which seeps out of deposited waste as a result of

decomposition and/or infiltration of water from above.
1.5
Municipal Solid Waste is all solid waste material generated by households,

institutions, commercial establishments and industries, and discharged from their
premises for collection, including kitchen waste, garden waste, sand, ashes, paper,
cardboard, food waste, plastic packaging, glass, tin cans, construction or demolition
debris and bulk waste (including large appliances, machines, furniture, and other
bulky items); all litter and clandestine piles of such wastes; street sweepings, drain
clearings and dead animals but not including Hazardous Waste.
page 61
Article 2: General Provisions

2.1
The following documents shall be deemed to form and be read and construed as part
of this Agreement:
a) The Landfill Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural
Development and the EPA;
b) The Environmental Management Plan as contained in the Environmental Impact
Assessment for the landfill approved by the EPA and subsequently updated in
accordance with L.I. 1652;
c) The Operational Plan developed by the Operator and approved by the Assembly
and the EPA.
2.2
Any notice, request or consent required or permitted to be given or made pursuant to

this Agreement shall be in writing. Service of all notices under this Agreement from
one party to the other shall be sufficient if hand delivered, express couriered or mailed
by registered or certified mail to the specified address of the other party. Notices
delivered by dated fax, telex, telegram or e-mail shall be followed by hard copy
delivered by hand, express courier or registered or certified mail. Notice will be
deemed to be effective as follows:
a) In the case of personal delivery or registered mail, on delivery;
b) In the case of telexes or facsimiles' six hours following confirmed transmission;
c) In the case of telegrams or e-mails, twenty-four hours following confirmed
transmission.
A Party may change its address for notice hereunder by giving the other Party of such
change pursuant to this Clause.
2.3
The designated officials and the addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers to be
used in communicating and providing all notices required under this Agreement are
as follows:
For the Assembly:
For the Operator:
Official: *****
Address: *****
Telephone: *****
Facsimile: *****
e-mail: *****
Official: *****
Address: *****
Telephone: *****
Facsimile: *****
e-mail: *****
2.4
The Operator and the Assembly agree that the Operator is an independent entity and
not an employee or agent of the Assembly. Nothing herein shall be construed as
creating a partnership, agency, joint venture or similar relationship between the
Operator and the Assembly. The Operator shall be fully and solely responsible for its
own acts and omissions and those of its employees, officers and agents.
2.5
This Agreement, its meaning and interpretation, and the relation between the Parties
shall be governed by the Applicable Law.
2.6
The Operator and its personnel shall pay necessary taxes, duties, fees and other
impositions levied under the Applicable Law.
2.7
No provision of this Agreement can be waived except by written consent from the
Assembly's Officer. Any forbearance or indulgence by the Assembly shall not
constitute a waiver of any covenant or condition. The Assembly shall be entitled to
invoke any remedy available to it to address any inadequacy in performance, despite
any forbearance or indulgence.
2.8
The headings shall not limit, alter or affect the meaning of this Agreement. The use
and order of titles and headings within this document is for ease of reference.
page 62
2.9
Copyright of maps and specifications for equipment and/or facilities specifically

procured or built for the purposes of conducting the Services under this Agreement
shall remain with the Assembly.
Article 3: Scope of Services

3.1
The Services shall comprise the following:

a)
b)
c)
d)
3.2
Reception and placement of solid waste at the Landfill;

Development of planned future phases of the Landfill site;
Restoration of the Landfill when filled to its design capacity;
Provision of aftercare to the Landfill.
The Services shall be carried out in accordance with the Landfill Guidelines issued by
the Government of Ghana and the design and the Environmental Permit for the
Landfill.
Article 4: Obligations of the Operator

4.1
The Operator shall operate the Landfill in accordance with an Operational Plan and
the Environmental Management Plan approved by the Assembly and the EPA,
conforming to the Landfill Guidelines issued by the Government of Ghana and the
design and the Environmental Permit for the Landfill. The Operational Plan shall be
updated at least annually and shall be available at all times on the Landfill site.
4.2
The Landfill shall be properly supervised at all times, and all material entering or
leaving shall be monitored and recorded to ensure its compliance with the applicable
regulations and legislation.
4.3
Working Hours shall be from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday or other
times mutually agreed in writing between the Parties to this Agreement.
4.4
The Operator shall receive and dispose of all Municipal Solid Waste delivered to the
Landfill during Working Hours by firms and individuals authorised by the Assembly.
4.5
The Operator shall receive and dispose of all Health Care Waste delivered to the
Landfill during Working Hours by firms and individuals authorised by the Assembly.
Such waste shall be disposed of in specially designated cells and according to the
procedures for Hazardous Wastes set out in the Operational Plan.
4.6
The Operator shall only accept Hazardous Waste on the explicit and specific
instructions of the Assembly and when a person designated in the license to accept
such waste is present, and shall record full details (date and time of arrival, origin,
nature, quantity, generator, transporter) of any such waste presented for disposal and
pass them to the Assembly within 6 hours.
4.7
The Operator shall provide a wet weather disposal area near the entrance so as to
ensure that waste can be still discharged under adverse weather conditions.
4.8
The Operator shall maintain adequate internal roads to allow for the safe arrival of
vehicles to the discharge area and without provoking excessive wear and tear on their
tyres.
4.9
The Operator shall keep records, which shall be available for inspection at any time
by the Assembly or the EPA, of the following:
a) For each load:
i. Time of entry,
ii. Type of waste (household, commercial, hazardous, industrial, demolition
debris etc.),
iii. Detailed description of all hazardous wastes,
iv. Origin of the waste (generator and transporter),
page 63
v. The identification code of the vehicle delivering the waste,

vi. Weight (or if the weighbridge is out of service, the estimated volume) of the
waste;
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
The cell in which any special waste is placed in the landfill;

Quantities of reclaimed waste;
Staffing levels, daily attendance at work, employment details of all personnel;
Accidents and their causes;
Items of equipment, uniform, protective clothing issued etc.;
Equipment maintenance.
4.10
The Operator shall maintain and keep at the Landfill an up-to-date site map, showing
at least:
a) Areas where special or hazardous wastes have been filled;
b) Operational areas;
c) Leachate drainage layout;
d) Areas capped;
e) Future steps in the landfilling plan;
f) Site topography.
4.11
The Operator shall record monitoring data on leachate, surface water and
groundwater, as prescribed by the Landfill Guidelines and the EPA, and keep the
data in a register available on request to officials of the Assembly or the EPA.
4.12
The Operator shall at all times observe the public health ordinances, regulations and
bye-laws.
4.13
The Operator shall at all times follow safe and hygienic practices according to
published operational guidelines.
4.14
The Operator shall provide adequate protective clothing (including overalls, raincoats,
boots, gloves and nose masks) and annual medical check-ups for all operational staff.
4.15
The Operator shall maintain Workmen's Compensation and Employees' Liability

insurance to cover immediate expenses and long-term costs, including loss of
income, related to injury and disability sustained during and from work operations.
4.16
The Operator shall maintain a complete log of all complaints received, including a
record of follow-up actions. The Operator shall respond to all complaints regarding
Services provided under this Agreement within two days.
4.17
The Operator shall keep all vehicles and equipment used for performing the Services
in good repair, appearance and sanitary condition.
4.18
All vehicles and equipment shall be operated by qualified operators, and so as not to
harm human health or the environment.
4.19
The Operator shall maintain all risks vehicle insurance and general liability insurance
coverage with insurance companies reasonably acceptable to the Assembly,
providing for replacement value in case of theft or damage, and liability in the case of
accident.
Article 5: Performance Security

6.1
The Operator shall furnish to the Assembly and maintain during the term of this
Agreement, a Performance Security in a form reasonably acceptable to the
Assembly.
6.2
The performance security also shall be subject to covering environmental damage

and/or impairment and environmental clean-up costs arising from pollution incidents
resulting from the Operator's negligence, including coverage for release of liquid,
page 64
gaseous, or solid materials, whether they are defined as waste or non-waste

materials.
Article 6: Monitoring
6.1
The services of the Operator under this agreement shall be subject to performance
monitoring by the Assembly and the EPA. The Assembly and/or the EPA may assign
responsibility for monitoring the performance of the Services to their own staff, or may
separately assign responsibility for monitoring to a private firm or firms. The Operator
shall co-operate fully with all persons designated by the Assembly or the EPA to
monitor the Services.
6.2
The Operator shall allow the Assembly and the EPA, including all designated
monitoring personnel, to have access at all times to inspect work being carried out
under this Agreement, to inspect all records and documents maintained by the
Operator regarding work performed under this Agreement and to inspect the
Operator's vehicles, plant and site facilities.
6.3
The Operator shall provide suitable accommodation for Assembly staff recording
waste deliveries to the Landfill.
6.4
The Operator shall submit to the Assembly quarterly reports in a format acceptable to
the Assembly, including at least: summaries of waste disposed of; summaries of
monitoring data; accidents and emergencies, including actions taken; summaries of
complaints received and remedial actions taken; changes in staffing; and summaries
of equipment performance and down time.
Article 7: Obligations of the Assembly

7.1
The Assembly shall ensure that the Operator has unrestricted access to the Landfill
and shall resolve the cause underlying any action taken by any person or persons to
prevent the Operator from having access to the Landfill.
7.2
The Assembly shall hand over the Landfill [and equipment], excluding the
weighbridge if present, to the Operator in good working order, and shall be liable for
any problems resulting from the condition or contents of the Landfill at the time of
handing over.
7.3
The Assembly shall promulgate any Bye-Laws necessary to enable the Operator to
discharge the obligations specified in this Agreement.
7.4
In the event that a user of the Landfill defaults in payment of Tipping Fees for three
months or more, the Assembly shall, upon request of the Operator, institute a lien
procedure, which shall result either in payment by the user or in the placement of a
lien on the user's property.
Article 8: Tipping Fees and Payments

8.1
Tipping Fees shall be set by the Assembly in its fee-fixing resolutions and shall be
payable by those delivering waste to the Landfill.
8.2
[The Assembly shall in addition make a payment of ***** per month to the Operator.]
8.3
The Operator shall be entirely responsible for collecting its approved Tipping Fees for
the Services.
8.4
All Tipping Fees and payments shall be subject to review by the Assembly in
conjunction with the Operator as and when the need arises.
page 65
Article 9: Defaults and Sanctions

9.1
The following constitute defaults:

a) Discharge of untreated or partially treated leachate beyond the boundary of the
Landfill;
b) Dispersal of litter beyond the boundary of the Landfill;
c) Disturbance of adjacent communities due to excessive noise or odours;
d) Failure to cover or compact waste in accordance with the Landfill Guidelines as
they apply to the ***** Landfill;
e) Failure to observe any of the obligations set out in Article 4 above;
f) Failure to observe any provision of the Landfill's Operational Plan, its
Environmental Management Plan or the Landfill Guidelines;
g) Any violation of the environmental, health or safety legislation in effect.
9.2
If any default comes to the attention of the Assembly, it may issue a request to the
Operator to rectify the default within a specified period of time. If the default is not
rectified within the specified period, the Assembly may impose a fine equivalent to the
average weekly revenue from Tipping Fees and other payments over the previous six
months or since the inception of the Services, whichever is the lesser.
9.3
If four fines are imposed within any period of twelve consecutive months, the
Assembly may terminate the Agreement on three months' notice.
9.4
If the Assembly decides not to exercise its right to impose sanctions in any case of
default, such forbearance or indulgence by the Assembly shall not constitute in any
regard whatsoever a waiver of the covenant or condition to be observed by the
Operator. The Assembly shall be entitled to invoke any sanction available to it to
address any default, despite any forbearance or indulgence on previous occasions of
default.
Article 10: Period of Agreement and Renewal

10.1
The date of commencement of this Agreement is the ***** day of *****, *****.
10.2
In the first instance, this Agreement shall be effective for a period of six years from
the date of commencement of the Agreement.
10.3
The Agreement shall be subject to renewal for periods of three years thereafter
subject to satisfactory performance by the Operator.
Article 11: Force Majeure

11.1
The Operator shall not be required to perform the Services required under this
Agreement if prevented from doing so by an Act of God, order or direction of
Government or local authorities, act of state enemies, riots, strikes, substantial
destruction to the plant or equipment of any supplier, shortage of fuel or lubricants, or
any other circumstances beyond their control.
11.2
For purposes of this Agreement, Act of God shall include causes arising from
natural calamities such as earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods, fires or lightning
strikes.
11.3
In case of such an event, the Operator shall notify the Assembly in writing of its
occurrence within seven days.
11.4
The Operator shall not be entitled to payment for services not performed due to Force
Majeure, and shall not be deemed to be in breach or default of this Agreement by
reason of non-performance.
page 66
Article 12: Governing Laws

12.1
This Agreement shall be governed by the Applicable Law
Article 13: Settlement of Disputes

13.1
The Parties to this Agreement shall use their best endeavours to settle amicably any
disputes that may arise between them.
13.2
If the Parties are unable to settle the dispute amicably, then they shall go into
arbitration and agree upon and appoint a single arbitrator to hear and determine the
dispute. If the Parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator, either of them may apply to
the High Court for the appointment of such arbitrator.
13.3
The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the Parties, and either Party
may apply to the High Court for enforcement of the decision.
Article 14: Termination of Agreement

14.1
Either Party may terminate this Agreement by giving the other three months' prior
notice in writing on the occurrence of any of the following:
a) If the Operator does not perform satisfactorily and four fines have been imposed
by the Assembly within a period of twelve consecutive months, pursuant to Article
9.3 above.
b) If either Party breaches any of the stipulations regarding its part in this
Agreement, and fails or refuses to remedy the breach after notice to that effect
has been served on it.
c) For any other cause deemed reasonable by the Court or arbitrator.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties hereto have hereunto set their respective hands and
seals the day and year first above written.
District Chief Executive,
***** District Assembly
........................................................................................................
Witnessed by:
(Signature)
........................................................................................................
(Occupation)
........................................................................................................
(Name)
........................................................................................................
(Address)
........................................................................................................
Managing Director
*****
........................................................................................................
Witnessed by:
(Signature)
........................................................................................................
(Occupation)
........................................................................................................
(Name)
........................................................................................................
(Address)
........................................................................................................
page 67
Annex B: Sample Application for a Landfill Operating Licence

***** District Assembly
Application for a Licence for

Treatment, Recycling and Disposal Of Wastes
Company name:
........................................................................................................
Registered address:
..........................................................
..........................................................
..........................................................
Telephone(s):
..........................................................
Company registration number: ...................................................
Date: .......................
Date of application: ...............................

I certify that the information contained herein and in the attachments hereto is correct. I
understand that the licence may be revoked with immediate effect if any information
contained herein and in the attachments hereto is materially false.
...................................................................
(name)
...................................................................
(signature)
...................................................................
(designation)
Attachments:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Copy of company registration certificate.

Business plan (including cash flow estimates).
Audited accounts for the last two years.
CVs of key staff, including indication of staff designated to accept hazardous waste.
Company experience record.
Operation and maintenance manual and Environmental Management Plan for the landfill.
Staff list with full names, position, age, qualifications and years with firm.
Location and phone number (if available) of public office.
For each vehicle/item of equipment:
Registration number (if relevant)
Description
Manufacturer (chassis)
Date of manufacture
Documentary proof of ownership
Documentary proof of insurance
page 68
Annex C: Waste Classification for Landfilling

General Waste
All solid waste material generated by households, institutions, commercial establishments
and industries, and discharged from their premises for collection, including kitchen waste,
garden waste, sand, ashes, paper, cardboard, food waste, plastic packaging, glass, tin cans,
construction or demolition debris and bulk waste (including large appliances, machines,
furniture, and other bulky items); all litter and clandestine piles of such wastes; street
sweepings, drain clearings and dead animals but not including Hazardous Waste. General
waste may, however, contain small dispersed quantities of domestic hazardous wastes such
as batteries, insecticides and weedkillers.
Hazardous Waste
Health Care Wastes, dead animals, condemned foodstuffs, abattoir wastes, dry cell and
vehicle batteries, pesticides, sludges or solvents containing heavy metals and/or oily
material, asbestos materials, motor oil, diesel fuel, gasoline (petrol), paint, solvents and all
wastes that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, radioactive, explosive or otherwise dangerous as
defined by the EPA. General or inert waste containing significant quantities of hazardous
waste shall be treated as hazardous waste.
Inert Waste
Waste containing less than 5% of biodegradable and non-hazardous material, including
construction, excavation and demolition waste and naturally occurring earth and rock.
page 69
Annex D: Glossary of Technical Terms

AEROBIC
Living or taking place in the presence of air or oxygen.
ANAEROBIC
Living or taking place without air or oxygen.
AQUIFER
Includes any soil or rock formation that has sufficient porosity and water-yielding ability to
permit the extraction or injection of water at reasonably useful rates.
BIODEGRADABLE
Capable, of being broken down by biological processes.
CELL
A compartment within a landfill isolated from other compartments by appropriate cover
material and of such size as to be manageable in the context of total volume and day-to-day
operating concerns including waste placement and compaction, stability of working surfaces
and slopes and the operation of landfill equipment.
COMMERCIALWASTE
Waste from trade, business, leisure and entertainment premises, including waste from
shops, offices, air and seaports, bus and train stations, clubs, societies, courts, government
departments, local authorities, markets and fairs.
CONTROLLING SLOPES
Slopes on those areas of the liner that have a direct influence on the maximum leachate
head or slopes that are perpendicular to the collection laterals (secondary leachate drains).
COVER MATERIAL
Soil, earth or other non-degradable approved material which is used to cover compacted
solid waste in a sanitary landfill for the purpose of rodent and vector control, to minimise
moisture entering the fill, to provide a fire break, and in the case of final cover, to grow
vegetation for erosion control.
DAILY COVER
A compacted layer of at least 150mm of soil or functionally equivalent depth of other cover
material that is placed on all exposed solid waste at the end of each working day that Solid
Waste is discharged at a sanitary landfill.
FAULT
A geological fracture or zone of fractures in any material along which strata on one side have
been displaced with respect to those on the other side.
FINAL COVER
A layer consisting of soil and, in some cases, other natural or synthetic materials that is
placed on any surface of a landfill where no additional solid waste will be deposited and
serves to restrict landfill gas and wildlife access, and to promote surface drainage.
page 70
FLOOD PLAIN
A lowland area, whether dyked, flood-proofed or not, which, by reasons of land elevation, is
susceptible to flooding from an adjoining water course, ocean, lake, or other body of water
and for administrative purposes is taken to be that area submerged by the design flood plus
freeboard.
GEOMEMBRANE
A prefabricated continuous sheet of flexible waterproof material including synthetic
membranes, polymeric membrane liners, and plastic liners.
HARZADOUS WASTE
Any waste or combination of wastes, including toxic, corrosive, irritating, sensitising,
radioactive, biologically infectious, explosive or inflammable waste, which poses a present or
potential threat to human health, living organisms or the environment.
HEALTH CARE WASTE
Solid and Liquid Waste produced by public and private human health care and veterinary
facilities, including hospitals, clinics, maternity homes, alternative health care providers,
laboratories, pharmacies, chemists, mortuaries, funeral homes, veterinary clinics and
research facilities, including: General Wastes similar in character to Municipal Solid Wastes
except that they are produced within a medical facility; Infectious Wastes generated by both
in-patients and out-patients which are known or likely to contain pathogenic micro-organisms
from blood or other body fluids, including sharps (needles, blades, slides etc.), dressings,
swabs, syringes etc.; Pathological Wastes comprising body parts and tissues arising from
amputations, surgical operations, autopsy (post-mortem) and childbirth; Hazardous Wastes
comprising pharmaceutical wastes (expired or discarded drugs and their containers),
radioactive wastes and laboratory wastes (acids, alkalis, solvents, cultures, specimens,
organic chemicals, heavy metals); and lncinerator Ash and Sludge.
INERT WASTE
Waste composed of non-decomposing (non-rotting) material, generally originating from
demolition and construction works or industrial and commercial waste.
INTERMEDIATE COVER
A compacted layer of at least 300mm of soil or functionally equivalent depth of other cover
material placed where no additional solid waste has been deposited or will be deposited
within a period of 90 days.
LANDFILL GAS
Gas generated at landfill sites by the decomposition of putrescible waste, consisting of a
mixture of carbon dioxide, methane and a number or other constituents.
LEACHATE
Liquid generated at landfill sites by the solution in water (or other liquids) of chemical
compounds which are present in the waste and/or arise through decomposition.
LIFT
A compacted layer of solid waste plus its overlying cover material in a sanitary landfill.
page 71
LINER
A continuous layer of synthetic material or natural clay or earth materials placed beneath and
at the sides of a landfill and intended to restrict the downward or lateral escape of waste or
leachate or in some cases to restrict the upward movement of groundwater into the landfill.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
All solid waste material generated by households, institutions, commercial establishments
and industries, and discharged from their premises for collection, including kitchen waste,
garden waste, sand, ashes, paper, cardboard, food waste, plastic packaging, glass, tin cans,
construction or demolition debris and bulk waste (including large appliances, machines,
furniture, and other bulky items); all litter and clandestine piles of such wastes; street
sweepings, drain clearings and dead animals but not including Hazardous Waste.
OPERATIONAL PLAN
The Operational Plan shall contain drawings detailing the engineering development of the
site, the infrastructure to be provided, the site layout and phasing of operations, the location
of monitoring boreholes and the control systems for leachate and landfill gas and a
description of the site preparation works including the design and specification of all
engineering works, the operation of the site and the management and control of landfill gas,
leachate and groundwater.
PUTRESCIBLE
Organic matter which has the potential to decompose with the formation of malodorous byproducts.
RECOVERY
Reclaiming of recyclable components and/or energy from the post-collection solid waste
stream by various methods including incineration, pyrolysis, distillation, gasification or
biological conversion (including composting), including the collection and subsequent
management or methane gas generated in the landfill.
RECYCLING
The collection, transportation and processing of products separated from the Municipal Solid
Waste stream which are no longer useful in their present form and the use (including
composting) of their material content in the manufacture and sale of new products.
Recycling refers to source-separated wastes only, when used in the context of the 3 Rs
(Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).
RUN-OFF
The liquid that drains from an area as surface flow.
RUN-ON
Any rainwater, leachate, or other liquid that drains overland onto any part of a facility.
SCAVENGING
The removal of recyclable materials from a solid waste facility by informal-sector operators.
SITE LIFE
The period of operation beginning with the first receipt of solid waste at a landfill and ending
at completion of landfill closure activities.
page 72
TOE
The bottom of the working face or side slope of a land disposal site where deposited waste is
in contact with virgin ground or the previous lift.
UNSTABLE AREA
A location that is susceptible to natural or human-induced events or forces capable of
impairing the integrity of some or all of the landfill's structural components responsible for
preventing pollutant releases. Unstable areas can include poor foundation conditions, and
areas susceptible to mass movement.
VECTOR
A carrier that is capable of transmitting a pathogen from one organism to another including,
but not limited to, flies and other insects, rodents and birds.
WASTE STREAM
The aggregate of all solid waste components, and also the process through which they move
from point of generation to ultimate disposal.
page 73

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Government of Ghana

Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development

Policy, Institutional and Regulatory Framework .........................................................7

Landfill Classification .................................................................................................12

Landfill Site Identification ...........................................................................................19

Design of Landfills ......................................................................................................33

Upgrading Existing Dumping Sites ............................................................................42

Operation and Maintenance........................................................................................46

Landfill Closure, Restoration and Aftercare ..............................................................57

List of References .............................................................................................................................60

Sample Landfill Operation Agreement .....................................................................61

Prof. Dominic Fobih

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

improve the standard of waste disposal operations in Ghana;

1.3 General Overview and Principles

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

Rules and regulations

Religious & cultural

Design and site

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

Gas abstraction and

By concentrating on raising standards in a step-by-step manner up the hierarchy, time is

1.4 Landfill Development Critical Factors

1.4.1 Political Commitment

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

1.4.2 Financial Considerations

1.4.3 Landfill Site Selection

1.4.4 Designing a Landfill

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

1.4.5 Operating a Landfill

1.4.6 Site Closure and Aftercare

2 Policy, Institutional and Regulatory Framework

2.2 Institutional Framework

2.2.1 The District Assembly

Sites should be acquired by lease or purchase, with agreement on rehabilitation

monitor and enforce environmental standards. As with other environmental sanitation

2.2.2 The Environmental Protection Agency

2.2.3 The Regional Co-ordinating Council

2.2.4 The Private Sector

2.3 Regulatory Framework

Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1652);

2.3.1 Environmental Assessment Regulations (L.I. 1652)

2.3.2 Landfill Operating Licences

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

Figure 2.1 Regulatory Framework for Landfills

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

3.1 The Waste Stream

3.1.1 Waste Types

3.1.2 Waste Quantities

Waste Quantity (T/day)

3.2 Problems to be Addressed by Landfills and Improved Dumping

3.2.5 Dust and Noise

3.2.6 Birds, Insects and Rodents

3.3 Types of Landfill

Site drainage and fencing;

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

Ghana Landfill Guidelines: May, 2002

Concentrated in one area

Concentrated in one area

Concentrated around dump

Concentrated at dump site

Concentrated at dump site