Urban construction and demolition waste and landfill failure in Shenzhen, China. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Hong; Xia, Junqiang; Thompson, Julian R.; Flower, Roger J.
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 63(2017)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 396
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Landslide -- Construction and demolition waste -- 4-Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle and recover) policies -- Urbanization -- Shenzhen; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.01.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: A landslide in Shenzhen, China, was triggered by the collapse of a pile of municipal waste. With the rapid urbanization, China produces some 30% of the world's municipal solid waste. Same as Shenzhen, many Chinese cities have the limited capacity to treat waste. The 4-Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle and recover) policies should be implemented to reduce the waste. Terrestrial surveying and RS techniques should be undertaken to assess the stability of landfill. Abstract: On December 20, 2015 at 11:40 am a landslide in one of China's most advanced cities, Shenzhen, killed 73 people and damaged 33 buildings. In the absence of heavy rainfall or earthquakes, the landslide was an unexpected and profound shock to many people. According to China's Ministry of Land and Resources, the landslide was triggered by the collapse of an enormous pile of construction and demolition waste (CDW). With China's rapid urbanization, an increasing amount of CDW is being generated, especially in major cities. In total, China produces some 30% of the world's municipal solid waste and of this about 40% is CDW. To prevent landslides associated with CDW, the volume of waste dumped in landfills should be regulated. More specifically 4-Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle and recover) policies should be implemented more widely and efficiently. Although landfill will continue to be an important disposal option, proper management and careful monitoring of CDW are urgently needed to satisfy pressing safety issues. International collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and use of the latest technologies are needed so that the similar landslides can be prevented in China and elsewhere.