Background 

The Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Facility (HBSLF) located in Eccles East Bank, Demerara, is the largest landfill in Guyana covering 150 acres. The landfill receives about 400 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily from more than 25 neighbourhoods. 

The Fukuoka Method was first introduced to the landfill site during a 2018 regional seminar and onsite training which was facilitated by several stakeholders – the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the CARICOM Secretariat and Japan-CARICOM Friendship and Cooperation Fund (the funding agency) and the Ministry of Communities (currently called the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development). The Fukuoka Method is a Clean Development Mechanism3 where onsite landfilled solid waste is treated through aerobic degradation thus avoiding emission of methane gas. Aerobic degradation is achieved by constructing a piping system (vertical and horizontal perforated pipes) to ventilate the landfill creating semi-aerobic conditions.

The Fukuoka Method is replicable in other Caribbean countries. The method is cost effective to implement and maintain. The technology and structure are simple allowing the freedom to use a variety of locally sourced materials and commonly used machinery and equipment. 

The Challenge 

The major challenges with the implementation of the Fukuoka Method in Guyana were delays in implementation due to inclement weather and lack of training of landfill workers and operators on the Fukuoka Method. Another challenge is long term availability of funds which is necessary to ensure regular monitoring and continuous training of landfill workers and operators. 

Climate and health solutions 

The Fukuoka Method increases the life span and the effectiveness of the landfill affording early stabilization of waste, avoiding methane emission and mitigating the impact of climate change. The benefits also relate to human health and the environment by improving leachate quality thus lowering the risk of waterborne diseases via water source contamination. Avoiding methane gas build up and or generation lowers the risk of landfill fires and poor air quality which can exacerbate respiratory illnesses (e.g. COVID-19, Asthma, Bronchitis).  

Progress achieved 

In 2018, Guyana was introduced to the Fukuoka Method for landfill management. This involved training on the preparation, construction and installation of gas ventilation pipes and leachate collection pipes at the pilot site in Cell 1 of the sanitary landfill.  

A key driving force in the successful design and construction of Cell 2 using the Fukuoka Method was Mr. Lloyd Stanton (landfill site supervisor). In 2019 construction of Cell 2 was approved by Ministry officials and soon after construction commenced. Later in 2020, Cell 2 of the landfill was completed. Work consisted of the installation of horizontal leachate collection pipes and vertical gas ventilation pipes. Currently, monitoring, maintenance and improvement of the site is ongoing. 

Lessons learned 

One of the key lessons learned in constructing and implementing the Fukuoka Method in Guyana was the need for additional training for workers and landfill operators which would ensure:

• the use of properly sized rubble to prevent clogging,
• that leachate pipes are large enough for large leachate flows,
• the use of care when placing waste over drainage pipes and ventilation shafts,
• regular and proper monitoring and upkeep of the landfill site during operation by trained individuals.

Next steps 

The future plans for the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Facility include: 

• Continuous monitoring and testing of leachate,
• Connecting Cell 1 (old cell) to Cell 2 to allow passage and further improvement of leachate quality,
• Construction of slope protection for the site, and
• Improvement of leachate facilities by installing ECO-FANs to improve the leachate quality via increased aeration.