Koo-Cheul Shin

Institut fur Siedlungswasserbau, Wassergute-und Abfallwirtschaft der Universitat Stuttgart
(Wielandstr. 1 7252 Weil der Stadt, Germany)

Abstract

In 1987, 220,000 tons of hazardous waste were generated in West Germany. The German Waste Management Act regulates not only the import but also the export and the transit of wastes. In addition, avoidance of waste generation and recycling of wastes are emphasized by the act. In order to reduce the waste amounts, wastes are preliminary treated by chemical, physical and biological methods. 750,000 tons of hazardous waste are combusted annually in 27 incineration plants. 18 additional incineration plants are planned. Dumping of diluted acids in the North Sea was completely stopped by the end of 1989. Also, the incineration of chlorinated hydrocarbons on German ships was ceased in 1989. The most common disposal process is the sanitary landfill. Rainfall results in water-and soil pollution caused by leachates. A roof above the landfill could eliminate the generation of leachates. The safest disposal is the deep underground deposition in salt mines.

Key words: hazardous waste, sanitary landfill, incineration, ocean disposal, subterranean deposition