Landfills must have non-permeable bases to prevent groundwater contamination – Zanetor

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, has emphasized the necessity of employing non-permeable bases at landfill sites. This measure, she asserts, is crucial in preventing contaminated liquid, known as leachate, from infiltrating the soil and groundwater. Leachate, a byproduct of waste decomposition in landfills, can carry hazardous chemicals and pollutants into surrounding areas if not properly contained.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a pivotal role in managing hazardous waste and preventing toxic substances from polluting water sources, particularly groundwater. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings suggests that landfills must have a non-permeable base before waste is deposited to prevent leaching. She views this as an "absolute necessity," noting that similar protective measures are already in place at e-waste collection points.

Extending this practice to all landfills is her recommendation. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings advocates for a comprehensive waste management strategy that includes household and community-level waste segregation. She believes this would facilitate recycling, composting of organic waste, and reduce landfill waste volume. Proper waste segregation would clarify where waste should go, she says.

Additionally, she proposes exploring innovative waste treatment technologies like pyrolysis, which can transform plastic waste into fuel and cooking gas. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also stresses the importance of public education, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and increased investment in recycling to tackle Ghana's waste management issues.