Landfills are a necessary part of modern waste disposal, but they are not without their environmental impact. They are sites where the waste is buried, compacted, and covered with soil to reduce odour, pests, and hazards. However, the reality is that not all types of rubbish can be accommodated in landfills.
This article will explore the types of rubbish that go into landfills, the impact of landfill waste on human health and the environment, as well as alternatives to landfill waste disposal.
What Is a Landfill?
Landfills are designated areas where waste is disposed of by burying it under layers of soil. They are carefully engineered and managed facilities designed to hold and isolate waste from the surrounding environment.
These are usually located in regions with natural geological barriers, such as clay or bedrock, to minimise the risk of pollution spreading to nearby land and water sources.
What Type of Waste Goes into Landfills?
There are several main types of waste that are suitable for landfilling:
1. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
MSW is one of the most common types of waste disposed of in landfills throughout the United Kingdom. It is waste generated from households, offices, and public places such as parks and streets. This includes organic waste such as food scraps and garden waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metals, textiles, and other miscellaneous items.
2. Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D)
C&D waste is generated from building and demolition activities. This includes materials like concrete, bricks, wood, metal, plastic, and other construction materials. C&D waste is often bulky and heavy, making it difficult to transport and dispose of. In addition, landfills are often the most cost-effective and practical option for disposing of this waste.
3. Industrial Waste
Industrial waste is a byproduct of manufacturing operations, factories, and commercial establishments, which can contain harmful materials such as chemicals, solvents, oils, and metals. There are regulations, such as the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR), in place to manage industrial waste and ensure it is disposed of safely and in an eco-friendly manner. However, some companies may illegally dispose of their waste in landfills, posing a danger to both the environment and people’s well-being.
4. Hazardous Waste
More often than not, hazardous waste can cause harm to humans or the environment, either due to its chemical, biological or physical characteristics. Examples of hazardous waste include batteries, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, medical waste, and radioactive waste. Hazardous waste must be disposed of in a regulated and specialised way to ensure the public’s and the environment’s safety.
5. Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
E-waste is created from discarded electronic devices such as computers, televisions, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets. These contain valuable metals such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum but also hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Moreover, e-waste must be treated and disposed of specialised to prevent environmental contamination and health risks.
Impact of Landfill Waste on the Environment and Human Health
Disposing of waste in landfills has several negative impacts on the environment and human health. Some of these impacts include:
1. Air Pollution
When waste is disposed of in landfills, harmful gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the air, contributing to air pollution. Methane is a strong greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere better than carbon dioxide. VOCs can lead to respiratory and other health problems.
2. Water Pollution
The leakage of harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, and chemicals from landfills can contaminate soil and groundwater. This contamination can have adverse effects on aquatic life and can even contaminate sources of drinking water.
3. Soil Contamination
A hazardous liquid called leachate is produced when rainwater mixes with waste in landfills. This leachate can contain harmful chemicals; seeping into the soil can contaminate and decrease its ability to support plant growth.
4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Landfills are among the largest human-made methane emissions sources, contributing to climate change. Methane is produced when organic waste decomposes without oxygen, a process called anaerobic digestion.
5. Public Health Risks
When rubbish decomposes, it releases gases like methane, which may lead to breathing problems and other health issues. Moreover, the liquids from the waste, also known as leachate, can pollute nearby water sources. The unpleasant odour and appearance of landfills can also cause stress and mental health problems for people nearby.
Alternative Solutions to Landfill Waste Disposal
Finding alternative solutions for waste disposal can help reduce the negative impact of landfill waste on the environment and human health. A few possible options are:
1. Recycling
Recycling involves transforming discarded materials into fresh products. It helps reduce the volume of rubbish in landfills and preserves valuable natural resources like water, energy, and minerals. The UK aims to recycle at least 65% of its municipal waste by 2035.
2. Composting
Composting refers to the decomposition of organic waste, such as garden waste and food scraps, into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. Doing so reduces the amount of waste in landfills and produces a valuable resource for gardening and agriculture.
3. Waste-to-Energy (WtE)
WtE is a waste disposal method that converts waste substances into energy, including electricity, heat or fuel. This approach helps decrease the waste dumped into landfills and produces a renewable energy source.
Final Thoughts
Landfills are a necessary part of modern waste disposal, but they are not without their environmental impact. Understanding the different types of rubbish that go into landfills is imperative to manage our waste better and minimise our environmental impact. So, by reducing our use of single-use plastics, recycling regularly, and disposing of hazardous waste at licenced facilities, we can minimise the impact of our waste on the environment.
At Enviro Skip Hire, we believe in responsible waste management, and we, therefore, offer various skip sizes and waste disposal solutions to dispose of your waste in the most sustainable and eco-friendly way possible. Our skips come in different sizes to store different types of waste, including general rubbish, green waste, and construction waste. So, if you are looking for a skip hire service in Cheshire or the surrounding areas, call 01270 820 426 or email [email protected]. Thank you!
