Harrow and Hillingdon Geological Society

Previous Meetings

The Quarrying Industry and Waste Disposal

Richard gave us a fascinating account of the quarrying industry, with an idea of just how much stone, sand and gravel is extracted in this country. Most of this is for the construction industry, but also for building roads etc.

Once the quarry is worked out there is a huge hole in the ground. As we produce vast quantities of rubbish these seem an ideal place to put it. Much of this rubbish is from the construction industry, but also industrial waste and of course domestic rubbish.

Richard explained how quarries are made suitable for land fill, and the lengths that have to be taken to ensure that any methane or leachate produced is taken away and disposed of. Great care is taken to ensure that nothing can pollute the water table.