WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF LANDFILL

By: Khalif Barkhadle
Digital Journalist

Published On:17th October 2024

What is a Landfill Site?

A landfill site is a large area of land specifically designed to be filled with rubbish. Some sites fill a hole in the ground with waste, whereas others pile the waste directly onto the ground.

Why are Landfill Sites Used?

Landfill sites are used to dispose of waste that can not be recycled or reused. This can include domestic rubbish (like plastic, tin packaging, and glass) as well as rubbish generated from construction, industrial, and commercial businesses. Certain waste – such as hazardous waste, liquid waste, and medical waste – can not be sent to landfills.

Why are Landfill Sites Bad?

Landfill sites are renowned for causing a wide range of environmental and health issues, so they should only be used if the waste materials are unable to be reused, recycled, or recovered.

Here we’ve explained some of the negative effects of landfill sites:

● Releases Methane Gas
Methane – alongside numerous other toxic gases – is emitted from landfill sites. As the biodegradable organic waste decomposes, it naturally releases methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that absorbs heat and contributes to climate change.

●Impacts of Biodiversity
Landfill sites impact biodiversity in several ways.