## Waste treatment, Recycling

## Environmental Sciences

# Semiaerobic Landfill System (Fukuoka Method) - Attracts the attention of the world-

Keyword: Landfill, Semiaerobic system (Fukuoka Method), Biodegradation process of landfill layer, Rapid landfill stabilization

Organizations Involved

Yasushi Matsufuji, Professor, Fukuoka University

○ Environmental Bureau in Fukuoka city

○ Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

UN-HABITAT, Fukuoka office, Japan (Regional office for Asia and the Pacific)

## 【Abstract】

Semiaerobic landfill (Fukuoka Method) was developed by cooperation between Fukuoka University and Fukuoka city. A series of pilot study was carried out over 3 years from 1973, under grant assistance from the former ministry of health and welfare. Based on these results, Fukuoka University proposed a new concept for “Semiaerobic Landfill Type”. Since then this type has been adopted through out Japan, being a recommended method in the technical guideline in 1979 by the former ministry of health and welfare. Semiaerobic landfill type technology was transferred to Malaysia, Iran and so on by JICA project.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

Technical advantages are summarized as follows:

1) By draining out the leachate as quickly as possible, it prevents leachate from stagnating in the waste material and makes it easier for fresh air to penetrate, thereby promoting aerobic condition in the waste layers.

2) By promoting aerobic conditions, microbial activity is enhanced and the decomposition of waste accelerated.

3) By parallel usage of the collection pipes and the crashed stones, the strength of the collection pipes are complemented, and water quality of leachate is improved to make air diffusion effectively at the same time.

4) By draining out the leachate rapidly, water pressure on the liner is prevented from building up, reducing the danger of seepage.

## Market Impact

Semiaerobic landfill system can be involved to expanding the market of landfill construction due to the easy maintenance and operation. Already it became the standard method of landfill in Japan.

## ● Social Impact

The technology transfer is contributing to the capacity development and the ODA project, not only in local government but also the industrial waste management.

## ●Special Features of the Collaboration

This is one of success story by cooperation of the industry-university-government project based on the on-site education system, and the spread effect to the whole world is very high.

Prof. Matsufuji

## Project Background

Fukuoka City facing the serious issues for open dumping of landfill site requested Fukuoka University to solve the environmental problems. And then, the on-site project by the university-government cooperation has been started in 1973.

## Funding History

Up to date from 1970, Fukuoka City and government of Japan have been entrusted a long-term research for integrated solid waste management to Fukuoka University.

Concept of semiaerobic landfill type

## I ntellectual property protection

At the time in 1970, the improvement of the existed landfill was the high priority, then we didn’t consider the intellectual property protection.

Technical transfer to Malaysia (Fukuoka Methods)

## Turning point in the Project

○A new discovery found in the back yard of negative results.

○Human relationship between the industry-university-government and on-site experiment are important for successful

○The simple method holds an essence of practical realization.

For more information, contact : Yasushi Matsufuji, Department of Civil Engineering, Fukuoka University, +81-92-863-8238, ymatsufu@fukuoka-u.ac.jp