Landfills with gas collection systems often struggle to capture fugitive emissions through the final soil cover, leading to significant environmental challenges. Considering recent major landfill fires in India, methane gas emissions have been identified as the primary cause. This research explores the potential of biochar-amended soil covers as an alternative solution to mitigate fugitive emissions. Various percentages of biochar were added to the soil collected from a landfill site in Vilholi, Maharashtra, India. Geotechnical testing assesses compaction characteristics, hydraulic conductivity, and shear strength. Amendment improves the compaction characteristics of soil cover. The decreased hydraulic conductivity with amendment indicates improved water retention. The interlocking between soil and biochar and the specific type of biochar influences the strength gained. The column setups containing different percentages of amended soil showed reduced emissions. The improved geotechnical properties and reduced fugitive emissions demonstrate the potential for biochar-amended soil covers to enhance landfills’ stability.
