Use of portable in motion weight control technologies at landfill sites

Abstract

Verifiable data on the quantities of waste generated and disposed of in South Africa is important for informed planning and decision-making by all three spheres of government. However, pilot projects conducted by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism as part of the South African waste information system project, highlighted that many medium and large general waste landfill sites in South Africa currently operate without weighbridges, although required to under the Minimum Requirements for landfilling. In-motion weighing technology currently available in South Africa was investigated to assess its suitability as a 'portable landfill weighbridge'. The experience gained through testing the portable weighpad technology has indicated that the technology can be used successfully to weigh waste loads within a landfill environment and to verify data collected through density-volume estimation methods. This technology is not however considered a long-term option for medium and large landfill sites and should not be seen as a replacement for permanent weighbridges. The intention is that this technology, in the absence of an on-site weighbridge, be used to periodically verify estimated data