Explained | Why do landfills catch fire and what can we do about them?
The HinduThe Kochi landfill site around Brahmapuram that caught fire earlier this month was a stark reminder that Indian cities need to be prepared for more such incidents as summer approaches. This openly disposed waste includes flammable material like low-quality plastics, which have a relatively higher calorific value of about 2,500-3,000 kcal/kg, and rags and clothes. In summer, the biodegradable fraction composts much faster, increasing the temperature of the heap to beyond 70-80° C. Higher temperature + flammable material = a chance for the landfill to catch fire. excavate old waste and use automated sieving machines to segregate the flammable refuse-derived fuel, such as plastics, rags, clothes, etc., from biodegradable material. Considering India’s summer has already begun, municipalities must implement short-term measures to prevent fire outbreaks while also focusing on long-term solutions to improve solid waste management.
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