I had a conversation with somebody in the business on this subject a couple of months ago. Apparently its unlikely to be a big goer in the UK as we have been so poor in historically keeping records of what we've actually buried where !! So companies are currently unwilling to take it on as they may find they are paying out more to dispose of the nasties than they can recoup through the re-cycling the good stuff. I think its prevalent and successful in Belgium (I think it was) where they have always mapped what they have buried where, so companies can be selective on where they excavate. I suspect as technology advances it will happen sooner or later. It will be interesting to see what happens in GM if a landfill mining company has actually purchased land (are they speculating or have definative plans ?!?!?!).
Stretford tip has, I believe, had a number of expressions of interest for planning including a re-cycling plant (although not connected with what was in the landfill), a golf course and a hotel (on the edge !). Trafford seem to want to keep it "brown" belt for now anyway (I'm sure money will talk sooner or later).
Having been involved in limited excavations in landfills it is the odours that can be a big an issue as the eyesore !!
Haven't they been doing this for about 50 years in Israel ?
Presumably, once mined, the land will be returned and become good habitat again. I understand the returned soil is actually improved not only by the removal of toxic and heavy metal components but by aeration.
I guess it'll be the new "open cast mining" a dreadful eyesore for a while but eventually useful and diverse habitat.
I recently found out that some of the former Greater Manchester landfill sites planted up with community woodlands have been sold to a company that specialise in "re-processing" (landfill mining).
Many of our tips contain valuable material eg aluminium in higher concentrations than the original rock/ore. Apparently the technological advances that are being made are beginning to make landfill mining economically viable.
Obviously the process involved in excavating, and processing the former waste materials will effectively destroy what have become valuable habitats. Bizarre to think that Stretford tip is effectively a gold mine !
