Utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles as a low-cost surveying method for landfill management: A case study at Quang Loi

Abstract

Landfilling remains the primary method of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Vietnam, particularly in rural areas, where small, unsanitary landfills lack monitoring systems. Traditional ground-based survey methods are costly, time-consuming, and pose safety risks, leading to a lack of crucial data for landfill management and environmental control. This study presents a low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry method to assess the current status and propose appropriate management solutions for the Quang Loi landfill in Thua Thien Hue province. High-resolution orthophotos and a digital surface model were generated, allowing for accurate estimation of waste volume (82,200 m3) and remaining capacity (60,000 m3). At the current waste inflow rates, the landfill is projected to be full within 5-7 years. UAV imagery also revealed operational deficiencies, including a lack of daily cover, limited compaction, inadequate stormwater management, and widespread exposed plastic waste. A phased remediation and closure strategy is proposed to mitigate environmental risks. Overall, the results confirm that UAV photogrammetry provides a reliable, cost-effective, and integrated framework for holistic volumetric, operational, and environmental risk assessment for supporting informed landfill management decisions.