DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jil.24.4.1042-1048

Characterization of Soil-like Materials from Non-active Zone of Piyungan Waste Disposal Facility, Indonesia: Implications for Compost and Organic Fertilizer Use

Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Received: 21 Oct 2025; Revised: 27 Aug 2026; Accepted: 29 Aug 2026; Available online: 30 Aug 2026; Published: 1 Sep 2026.
Editor(s): Budi Warsito

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Abstract
Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of in landfills contains a significant proportion of organic fraction that decomposes into soil-like materials that can be potentially recovered and reused. Landfill mining is an emerging strategy to recover these materials from older waste deposits. Integration of these materials into circular waste practices can therefore reduce landfill volume and recover valuable resources. However, given the heterogeneous nature of waste deposited in landfills over time, concerns arise about the quality and safety of the soil-like material, particularly when intended for use as compost or organic fertilizer. In this study, soil-like material samples (n=4) were collected from two landfill age groups, i.e., younger piles (16–20 years) and older piles (21–25 years). Samples were characterized for chemical properties, physical characteristics, and heavy metal content. The results were then compared with the Indonesian National Standards (SNI) 19-7030-2004 for organic domestic compost and SNI 7763:2024 for solid organic fertilizer. Findings revealed that total NPK content in older material (0.80 ± 0.35%) met the NPK threshold for organic domestic compost (≥ 0.70%), whereas younger material (0.40 ± 0.17%) failed. Both age groups failed the NPK requirement for solid organic fertilizer (≥ 2). Furthermore, cadmium (Cd) concentrations in both younger (39.81 ± 11.32 mg/kg) and older (33.47 ± 12.60 mg/kg) materials severely exceeded regulatory thresholds (≤ 3 mg/kg for compost; ≤ 2 mg/kg for fertilizer). Lead (Pb) concentrations (11.32 ± 7.92 mg/kg and 21.43 ± 11.38 mg/kg) complied with statutory standards across both groups. These findings indicate that while mined soil like materials possess resource potential, post-recovery treatments, including inert screening, nutrient enrichment, and heavy metal remediation, are essential prior to land application.

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Keywords: Soil-like material; landfill mining; compost quality; organic domestic compost; solid organic fertilizer

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Section: Research Article
Language : EN
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