Where Does All the Trash Collected at a Landfill Go?
The Landfill Process
In most landfills, the process begins with a deep pit in the ground, which is then covered with a layer of plastic. Upon the arrival of a load of trash, it is dumped out. Heavy bulldozers are used to compact the waste, which can be shredded or crushed depending on the specific machinery used. After compacting, a layer of dirt is often added, followed by another pass from the compactor. This process repeats until the site is filled, resulting in a large hill that remains unchanged for decades if not centuries.
Some landfills are more organized, separating waste into different categories. Wood and demolition waste can be kept in one area, while household trash is placed in another. Hazardous waste is often stored in separate cells to prevent contamination.
Trash Disposal at a Facility
The waste that leaves your home is transported to a waste disposal processing facility, where the trash is sorted and categorized. Depending on the item, the sorting paths can vary. Paper, uneaten food, scrap metal, furniture, and clothing each have their own sorting methods to ensure proper disposal or recycling.
Biodegradation and Environmental Impact
At the landfill, not everything decomposes immediately. Biodegradable materials like paper and food eventually degrade into methane gas, while glass remains inert and metals are slowly corroded by the acidic soils, eventually making their way into water systems. A significant amount of trash simply stays in place and may decompose slowly over time.
When the landfill reaches capacity, a new site must be designated, leading to resource-intensive operations. As the waste degrades, it releases toxic gases into the air and leaches toxic chemicals into groundwater. The average human's waste may outlive them by many years, with some items persisting for centuries.
During the process of dumping and compacting, light materials like plastic bags often become airborne and can spread pollution to nearby water courses and environmental areas. The long-term environmental impact of landfills is a critical consideration in waste management strategies.
Conclusion
The journey of trash from your home to a landfill involves complex processes that are crucial for waste management and environmental protection. While landfills are a necessary part of waste disposal, their long-term environmental impact necessitates ongoing efforts to improve waste management practices.