Safe and responsible treatment of contaminated materials

Efficient treatment and recycling of contaminated materials and hazardous waste is one of the main projects of the Finnish Government. We encourage dialogue with municipalities, authorities and companies regarding sustainable treatment and disposal of contaminated materials.

In stack composting, nutrients and binding agents that improve the biodegradation of harmful substances are added to, for example, hydrocarbon contaminated soil. As the concentration of harmful substances in contaminated materials is reduced, the materials can be utilized in the landfill site structures.

We continuously study and develop various composting methods. By working together with our partners, we aim to find new technological solutions that shorten the composting process and eliminate harmful substances even more efficiently than the currently used methods.

In screening, recyclable materials, such as concrete, brick, and waste wood are screened from contaminated soils. This reduces the amount of material for disposal. These recyclable materials can then be utilized in the different structures of the waste treatment centre. 

In stabilization, the harmful substances are made more stable to prevent them from spreading to the environment. For example, it is possible to reduce the solubility of heavy metals in industrial waste. If possible, the stabilised mass is utilized in the structures of the waste treatment centre.

In solidification, the harmful substances are bound (encapsulated) by using a binding agent, such as cement or bitumen, which prevents harmful substances from spreading to the environment. If possible, the solified mass is then utilized in the structures of the waste treatment centre. 

In soil vapour extraction, soil contaminated by volatile organic compounds (VOC) is treated in stacks by using airflow. During the treatment, the air released from the soil mass is purified with an activated carbon filter. Then the treated mass can be utilized in the structures of the waste treatment centre.

In thermal treatment, for example soil contaminated with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP-compounds) is processed into a less harmful form. We carry out the thermal treatment in co-operation with Savaterra Oy.

Disposal is the only safe treatment option for certain waste materials, such as asbestos and creosote. This prevents the circulation of harmful substances in those materials. The disposal site is selected based on the waste classification (conventional or hazardous waste) and on materials suitability for landfilling. In Kiimassuo waste treatment centre, we have landfill sites for both conventional and hazardous waste. 

The Kiimassuo waste treatment centre follows the monitoring programme approved by the authorities. Ee are responsible for the implementation of this programme together with the other companies of LHJ Group. In our treatment area and landfill sites, we follow the site-specific use and maintenance plans. In addition, we participate in the joint monitoring programme of Forssa’s Envitech area. In this programme, the possible environmental load of the whole area is monitored in co-operation with other operators according to a plan approved by the authorities.