Top 3 Problems Associated with Landfills and Solutions Treat them-

The United States of America generates approx. 258 million tons of waste each year. Huge percentage of garbage are major contributors to landfills.

What is Landfill?

A landfill site is a site for the disposal of waste, garbage and dump etc. The sites are quite ugly where they have a negative impact on the environment. Today, Landfills are serious concern. Unless they are stabilized, the landfills may experience soil liquefaction or severe shaking.

Out of 258 million tons of waste, only 34.6% of them gets recycled, some gets burned for energy and some are sent to the landfills. Research shows that, In American, major part of wastes are contributed to landfills. No need to think twice to appreciate Germany as the country recycles 68% of waste each year.

There are many health issues that are affected by landfill waste-
Issue#1- Toxin- Toxin is a major hazardous substance. A lot of different waste materials that end up in the landfill contains Toxins. Eventually, the toxins seeps and released into the groundwater which results in problems associated with health. Mercury is another poisonous substance which has major negative impact on the environment and public health. The substance comes from fluorescent lights and bulbs which at the end becomes major contributors to public health.

No Worries! There is a Solution to Treat Toxins
How to Treat Toxins- New landfills are constructed with synthetic membranes which would prevent substance like mercury from entering into soil and groundwater.

Issue#2- Leachate- Leachate is a substance which is harmful to humans. When landfill breaks down and water is filtered through which it takes up toxins; that toxins is called leachate. You must be wondering what could be the greatest contributor to the leachate? The waste is dry enough to form leachate. Rain falling on the top of the landfill is the major contributor to create leachate. The common chemicals found in leachate are-

1. Methane
2. Carbon Dioxide
3. Organic Acids
4. Aldehydes
5. Alcohol

Leachate is a Big Issue unless it is Treated well !

How to Treat Leachate- Leachate is treated in two ways i.e. Biological Treatment and Chemical Physical Treatment-

1. Biological Treatment- It involves using different filters to remove substances like nitrogen and other biological compounds from the waste water.
2. Chemical Physical Treatment- Wet oxidation procedures can be utilized in the event that it is possible to oxidize natural mixes. This incorporates initiated carbon adsorption, precipitation, flocculation and particle trade forms among others.

Issue#3- Greenhouse Gases- Waste foods and Yard waste are Organic materials. These materials are compacted when they are thrown into landfills. Gradually this removes oxygen and causes material to break down. By the time, the process generates methane, a type of greenhouse gas and affects human health.

The Ultimate Solution to treat Greenhouse Gas Like methane is to construct new landfills with synthetic membrane to catch methane in liquid form and prevent it to become a part of air.

The best way to prevent from landfill is not throwing waste. There are many companies like SwagCycle in the USA which takes your “No Use” branded merchandise, wasteful items and recycles, upcycles and donate them in an ethical, responsible and affordable ways.