ABSTRACT
Municipal solid waste (MSW) dumps have evolved into some of the largest man-made geostructures, rising 40–70 m high and posing risks of instability and contamination. This paper presents a synthesis of multi-year investigations on the geotechnical and geoenvironmental behavior of MSW and legacy waste, with emphasis on characterization, mechanics, and sustainable reuse. Field and laboratory studies revealed depth-dependent variations in static and dynamic properties of MSW, highlighting the significant role of fibrous constituents. Landfill mining investigations further indicated that 50–70% of the excavated material comprises a soil-like fraction (SLM), which offers considerable potential for reuse but also presents critical limitations due to high organic matter, soluble salts, heavy metals, and the release of dark-colored leachate. The findings emphasize the dual challenge of stabilizing old dumps while developing safe and sustainable pathways for valorization of reclaimed materials, reinforcing the evolving role of environmental geotechnics in addressing waste management.
