How to Select the Right Leachate Treatment System for Municipal Solid Waste Plants?

With the continuous growth of municipal solid waste, landfill remains a key method for final disposal in many cities. However, during the landfill process, a highly concentrated, toxic, and complex liquid—leachate—is inevitably generated. If not treated properly, it can cause serious soil and water pollution, or even environmental safety accidents.

Therefore, selecting a scientific, efficient, and compliant leachate treatment system has become a pressing concern for municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities. This article will explore the characteristics of landfill leachate and provide technical guidance based on WTEYA’s engineering experience.

The Formation and Challenges of Leachate Treatment

Leachate is mainly generated from the inherent moisture in waste, decomposition liquids, and rainwater infiltration. It poses serious challenges due to:

• High concentration of organic matter (e.g., high COD and BOD);

• Significant ammonia-nitrogen load;

• Complex composition including heavy metals, antibiotics, and viruses;

• Large fluctuations in water quality and quantity, which can destabilize treatment systems.

Standard municipal wastewater treatment equipment is generally inadequate. Dedicated leachate treatment technologies are required to ensure stable and compliant discharge.

Core Processes in Leachate Treatment Systems

A typical leachate treatment system for municipal solid waste plants uses a multi-stage approach combining physical, biological, and advanced treatment technologies. For example, a standard WTEYA leachate treatment system includes:

1. Pre-treatment Unit

Utilizes screening, equalization tanks, and sedimentation units to remove large solids and stabilize flow and quality.

2. Biological Treatment Unit

Adopts A2/O (Anaerobic–Anoxic–Aerobic) processes, MBBR, or MBR systems to degrade COD, BOD, and ammonia.
WTEYA integrates intelligent aeration control to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

3. Membrane Separation (DTRO/UF)

High-pressure Disc Tube Reverse Osmosis (DTRO) systems effectively remove small molecules and heavy metals. These modular systems are easy to maintain and ensure excellent effluent quality.

4. Advanced Treatment & Disinfection

Processes such as activated carbon adsorption, ozone oxidation, and UV disinfection ensure decolorization, deodorization, and sterilization—meeting the strict discharge standards of GB16889-2008.

Key Selection Criteria for MSW Plants

When designing a leachate treatment solution, plant operators must evaluate their unique needs in terms of:
✅ 1. Scale and Treatment Load
Estimate daily leachate volume based on landfill capacity, ensuring system sizing avoids over- or under-design.

✅ 2. Process Flexibility
Choose technologies that tolerate wide fluctuations in water quality, especially during rainy seasons.

✅ 3. O&M and Automation
Select systems with low operating costs (energy, chemicals, membranes) and support for remote monitoring and automatic operation.

✅ 4. Compliance & Stability
Ensure stable long-term discharge. Include concentrate treatment options such as evaporation or MVR systems to prevent secondary pollution.

WTEYA’s Professional Leachate Treatment Solutions

WTEYA provides turnkey leachate treatment systems with the following advantages:

✅ Integrated & Flexible Design
Offers buried, skid-mounted, and containerized systems to fit diverse plant conditions.

✅ Highly Integrated Equipment
Combines anoxic, anaerobic, sludge, and disinfection units to minimize footprint.

✅ Stable 24/7 Operation
Built-in regulation and fault-tolerance mechanisms ensure continuous operation.

✅ OEM/ODM Support
Custom modules available for various wastewater profiles.

✅ Global Service Network
Full lifecycle support with overseas service teams and local partners.

Conclusion: Build a Green MSW Treatment System with Proactive Leachate Control

Although landfill leachate is a byproduct, its pollution risk is serious and must be addressed from the design phase. Municipal solid waste plants must prioritize the integration of dedicated leachate treatment systems.As a leading environmental equipment supplier, WTEYA offers end-to-end services from system design, manufacturing, and commissioning to long-term operation and maintenance.If you are planning or upgrading a waste treatment facility, contact WTEYA for professional leachate treatment solutions that ensure compliance and support your green development goals.

Why Choose WTEYA Group?

WTEYA is a trusted brand with over a decade of experience in delivering high-efficiency water treatment solutions. We’ve successfully served well-known clients such as Foxconn, Huawei, Ganfeng Lithium, and Ronbay Technology, completing over 100 industrial projects with a strong reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.
We support both OEM & ODM customization, offering tailored solutions to meet your unique operational needs.

WTEYA Is Now Looking for Global Distributors!

Join us! As a trusted brand with 16 years of expertise, WTEYA offers attractive partnership policies, professional training, and comprehensive technical support. We’re committed to growing with you.

📧 Email: info@wteya.com
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Let WTEYA help you achieve unparalleled water quality and operational efficiency!