In the past, landfills were heavily relied upon as an important part of the waste management system, however, in recent years we now know about the importance of recycling as much as we can. Unfortunately, not everything can be recycled and landfills are still needed for these items.
So, what is a landfill and how do they affect the planet? Read on for all you need to know.
What is a landfill?
Landfills are designed to bury trash in a way that is isolated from groundwater and will not be in contact with air. But, unlike a compost heap, under these conditions waste will not decompose much.
What type of rubbish goes to landfill?
Landfill sites usually contain both domestic and commercial rubbish – this can be anything from food, plastic or construction waste. However, with better knowledge and new technologies, everyone is doing more and more to reduce the amount of recyclable waste that’s going to landfill.
What effect do landfill sites have on the environment?
Apart from a huge amount of items being improperly disposed of, there are many other problems associated with landfill sites. For one, much of the waste that’s sent to landfills contain toxic substances that are very harmful to the environment. Electrical appliances are particularly bad as over time mercury, PVC, solvents and more can seep out into the soil and groundwater below.
In addition, landfill gases are perhaps the most dangerous threat to the environment. When organic materials decompose in the absence of oxygen, methane is produced – a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane contributes to climate change due to its ability to trap heat, and although it has a much shorter lifespan than other gases, it’s effects are greater.
Here at Cherry Hill Waste, we offer a range of recycling services that means you can do your bit at reducing landfill waste. From wood waste to green waste, our aim is to encourage sustainable practices at affordable costs. Get in touch today for more information about our services.
