Preliminary feasibility study on the use of mono-disposal landfills for e-waste as temporary storage for future mining

The rising quantities of electronic waste (e-waste) around the world necessitates new approaches for sustainable management of this waste stream. One strategy for managing this waste stream is the use of e-waste mono disposal landfills, or monofills, as temporary storage for future mining. E-waste monofills can be a sustainable waste management solution. However, lifecycle costs must be considered to determine if e-waste monofills are feasible alternatives. The lifecycle cost of e-waste monofilling depends on a variety of different variables, including the configuration of the containment system and discretionary operational considerations. Classification of e-waste as hazardous waste suggests that a RCRA Subtitle C-compliant (hazardous waste landfill) containment system should be employed. However, available data indicates that a RCRA Subtitle D-compliant (municipal solid waste landfill) containment systems should provide more than adequate environmental protection. Discretionary landfill operational decisions that may impact lifecycle cost include processing e-waste prior to placement and/or placement of the e-waste in a soil matrix. Ultimately, the feasibility of e-waste monofilling depends upon the potential value assigned to future recovery.