Environmental Risks of Landfills - 1997 to the 2020s

Environmental Risks of Landfills - 1997 to the 2020s

In 1997, there were 503 landfills in Japan without impervious facilities, many of which posed a risk of soil and groundwater contamination. As incinerated ash and industrial waste were landfilled, toxic substances such as lead and cadmium leached into the groundwater, posing a risk to the ecosystem and human health. In the Kanto region, health complaints from nearby residents increased, and in the Tohoku region, contamination of agricultural water became more serious.

The government responded by strengthening standards and renovating existing landfills, making it mandatory for new landfills to have a double impervious structure and leachate treatment facilities. In addition, some municipalities have begun to promote the development of road materials that reuse incinerated ash, in an effort to reduce environmental impact.

2010s: Progress and Challenges in Waste Treatment Technology
In the 2010s, waste treatment technologies evolved, with a focus on increasing recycling rates nationwide. In particular, Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture promoted the production of cement from waste as part of its Eco-Town project, expanding the reuse of incinerator ash. On the other hand, incidents of leachate leakage due to inadequate interception facilities were also reported, particularly in Gifu Prefecture, where arsenic was detected at a former disposal site.

Also during this period, "zero-emission" projects aimed at reducing landfill sites were developed throughout Japan. Mitsubishi Materials Corporation developed a highly functional building material using incinerated ash, which was recognized as a good example of waste reuse.

2020s: Further Technological Innovation and Sustainable Measures
In the 2020s, many of the nation's waste landfills are aging, with about 500 facilities still facing problems. At a former landfill in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture, in the Kanto region, lead exceeding standard values was detected in groundwater, raising concerns about health hazards. In Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, in the Tohoku region, contamination of agricultural water is becoming more serious, and the impact on rice crops has been reported.

In response, the Ministry of the Environment has formulated "Guidelines for Proper Management of Waste Treatment Facilities" and is promoting the closure and renovation of aging facilities. In addition, advanced leachate treatment technologies developed by Dowa Holdings, Inc. and JFE Engineering Corporation have been introduced in newly constructed facilities to significantly improve the removal efficiency of hazardous substances Dowa introduced membrane separation technology in 2023, which has achieved more than 95% removal of hazardous substances.

Furthermore, in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Toyota Motor Corporation has developed pavement materials using incinerated ash, simultaneously reusing waste and reducing the amount of landfill. This technology has been transferred not only to Japan but also to other Asian countries such as the Philippines, contributing to international environmental improvement.

While technological innovation in waste management is advancing through these efforts, challenges still remain, such as the complete closure of old facilities and the development of alternative facilities. Cooperation among local governments, companies, and governments will continue to be required to establish a sustainable waste management system.