Landfill


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Landfill

A landfill site, also known as a tip, dump, rubbish dump, garbage dump, or dumping ground, is a site for the disposal of waste materials. Landfill is the oldest and most common form of waste disposal, although the systematic burial of the waste with daily, intermediate and final covers only began in the 1940s.

Solid waste is the number one contributor of landfill waste disposal. Homes, schools, restaurants, public places, markets, offices and so on produce a great deal of rubbish, garbage and used materials. The bulk of these wastes eventually end up in the landfills. Examples of the solid waste materials include wood, paper, plastic, broken furniture, glass, grounded cars, obsolete electronic products, and hospital and market waste.

Because most of these waste materials are non-biodegradable, they heap in the landfills where they stay for years. The scenario is even worse for poorly managed waste disposal systems and normally results in damage to the land and the surrounding environment.

Agricultural wastes arise from waste materials generated from animal manure, crop, and farm remains. The solid wastes like the animal manure and other agricultural by products are collected and dumped in the landfills. These agricultural remnants are highly toxic and can contaminate the land and water resources. Once in the landfills, the wastes remain there for years impacting on soil quality and polluting the land.

Industrial processes, construction activities and power plants produce a wide range of solid byproducts and residues. The predominant waste products are generated from oil refineries, power plants, construction works, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural product producers. The solid wastes usually find way to the landfills.

Advantages of Landfills
  • Landfills are an Excellent Energy Source.
  • Modern Landfills are Eco-friendly.
  • Keep Cities, Towns, and Districts Clean.
  • Keeps Hazardous Waste Segregated.
  • Landfills are Cheap.
  • Landfills Support Jobs and Local Business.
  • Disadvantage of Landfills
  • Landfills are Partially Responsible For Climate Change. One tonne of biodegradable waste can produce about 400–500 cubic meters of landfill gas.
  • Methane Lights up Easily.
  • Contaminate Soil and Water.
  • Landfills Affect Wildlife.
  • Accidents Can Happen.
  • Landfills Affect Human Health.
  • Large areas used for waste disposal are called landfills. In a landfill garbage is buried in such a way that it does not damage the environment. Garbage buried inside landfills stay there for a long time as it decomposes very slowly. When the landfill is completely filled, a park may be developed on it.

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    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    How is garbage handled at the landfill site ?

    Right Option : B
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    Question : 2

    Statement (i) : We develop some compost in areas near the landfill.

    Statement (ii) : It is done to utilise some of the useful components of garbage.

    Right Option : C
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    Question : 3

    Garbage buried inside_________________ stay here for a long time as it decomposes very slowly.

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
     
     


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