Costs of the "Am Brenten" household waste landfill 25 years after the end of operations

The real costs of household waste landfills are not incurred until long after operations have ceased.

VIVO

The "Am Brenten" landfill in Hausham, district of Miesbach Germany will receive its final cover layer in 2022 at a cost of nine million euros. Already the interim cover of the last operated landfill area after its closure amounted to around 3.2 million euros in 2005 and 2006.
The approximately nine-hectare subarea C will receive its final cover layer. On this, the existing 40-centimeter-thick soil layer will be removed and stored on the side. A 2.5-millimeter-thick plastic waterproofing membrane is then applied, which is a core element of the entire waterproofing system. It prevents surface water from entering the landfill and keeps the gas processes running. On top of the plastic liner, in turn, comes a drainage mat that drains away seepage surface water. On top of this, the laterally interposed soil layer is reapplied and further material is installed until a total layer one meter thick is created.
Recultivation
Finally, the area will be recultivated or revegetated. The last 60 percent of the landfill will then be sealed in 2023.
Even after the cover is built, the site cannot be used for other purposes. That would require formal "release from the aftercare phase" - that is, an official determination that the landfill no longer poses a threat to the public good. For this to happen, the waste must have come to rest completely, i.e. no longer produce any leachate or gases, explains Thomas Frey, the current CEO of the municipal company.