(i) Open dumps or open landfills: These are the most common
non-engineered disposal techniques frequently used in all
developing countries. Open dumping process involves the
refuse simply being dumped haphazardly into low lying areas
of open land. An open dumpsite is a land disposal site at which
solid wastes are disposed of in a manner that does not pro-
tect the environment, is susceptible to open burning, and is
exposed to the elements, disease vectors and scavengers. Dis-
posal of MSW involving unscientific practices attracts birds,
rodents and fleas to the waste dumping site and creating unhy-
gienic conditions (Anon., 2001; Suchitra, 2007). In India more
than 90% of solid waste in cities and towns are directly disposed
off on land in an unacceptable manner (Sharholy et al., 2008;
Narayana, 2009), thereby causing numerous health, environ-
mental and aesthetic hazards (Ambulkar and Shekdar, 2004).
(ii) Semi-controlled or operated landfills: These are selected sites
where the dumped refuse is compacted and daily a topsoil
covering is provided to prevent any nuisances. All kinds of
municipal, industrial, and clinical/hospital wastes are dumped
without segregation. This type of landfill is not engineered to
manage the leachate discharge or emissions of landfill gases.
(iii) Sanitary landfills: These are used in developed countries and
have facilities for interception and treatment of the leachates.
There are generally two major environmental concerns with
sanitary landfills: the generation of leachate and obnoxious
gases. These types of landfill have arrangements for the control