ASSESSMENT OF WASTE CHARACTERISTICS AND POTENTIAL RESOURCE RECOVERY AT THE PIYUNGAN: A STUDY BASED ON LANDFILL AGE

Abstract

 Landfills play a crucial role in waste management, but the age of a landfill can have a substantial effect on the composition and characteristics of the waste contained within it. This study seeks to examine the waste characteristics, including microbes, at the Piyungan landfill in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using the landfill's age as a determinant. The research methodology is exhaustive, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analyses. A representative sampling method is used to collect waste samples from various sections of the landfill, taking into account the varying ages of the waste. 0–6 months, 1–2 years, 3–4 years, and >5 years are used to determine location points based on the age variation of the garbage pile. Using techniques such as physical separation, chemical analysis, and microbe characterization, the collected samples are then classified and analyzed. Based on the age of the landfill, the analysis reveals dynamic variations in waste characteristics. Mixed methods in landfill operations affected the characteristics of waste. The results highlight the importance of proper waste management strategies that evolve with the changing composition of waste and microbe characteristics over time. Effective waste segregation, recycling, and resource recovery initiatives can be implemented to minimize the environmental impact of landfills and maximize resource utilization.  In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of considering the age of a landfill when assessing waste characteristics. By understanding how waste evolves over time within landfills, sustainable waste management practices can be implemented, leading to reduced environmental impact and improved resource efficiency.