are landfills an appropriate means of waste disposal?

Question

are landfills an appropriate means of waste disposal?

Answer 1

It depends on waste that is being landfilled and type of construction of landfill. If any thing is not upto the mark then everything goes awry.

Answer 2

Depends strongly on the waste.



Decayable organic substances should not go directly into landfill. They produce methane, which is several times worse than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. Along with the decay there will be a volume loss of the deposited waste, possibly leading to additional problems. Besides, there is energy to be won from these substances.



Separation of waste can yield raw materials from recycling, or at least energy bearing substances like plastic foil which has about the same heating potential as petrol. Same with paper. Neither ought to be just deposited.



Landfills always are a hazard to ground water systems, and must be monitored.

Answer 3

I suppose that depends on the type of waste. In general they can be problematic and lead to groundwater contamination and if any illegal dumping has occurred who knows what else could be present. However many cities have been able to reclaim or build on an old landfill. Some have been turned into parks and others beautiful communities.



When less energy is required it is always better to reuse/recycle.