Open Dump

Characteristics 

Advantages

Disadvantages

• poorly sited

• easy access

• environmental contamination  

• unknown capacity

• "extended" lifetime

• overuse, many noxious sites

• no cell planning

• low initial cost

• environmental contamination

• little or no site preparation

• low initial cost

• unsightly, needs remediation

• no leachate management

• low initial cost

• groundwater & surface water contamination

• no gas management

• low initial cost

• risk of explosion, greenhouse gas generation

• only occasional cover

• low initial cost, aerobic decomposition

• vectors/disease, unsightly
  

• no compaction of waste

• low initial cost, aerobic decomposition

• shorter lifetime
  

• no fence

• low cost, access to waste pickers

• indiscriminate use, vermin

• no record keeping

• low initial cost

• no record of landfill content

• waste picking and trading

• materials recovery income

• least efficient for material recovery