What is a Landfill Site?

A landfill is a carefully engineered structure that is used to isolate waste from the environment, particularly air, water, and soil, to avoid pollution. It’s not just a big dump—modern landfills are highly regulated and designed to minimize environmental damage.

How a Landfill Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Site Preparation

  • Site is excavated.
  • Base lined with clay or plastic sheets (leachate barrier).
  • Drainage system installed to collect leachate.

2. Waste Deposition

  • Waste delivered and compacted to save space.
  • Layered in "cells" and covered daily to control odor, pests, and fire.

3. Leachate Collection & Treatment

  • Leachate collected via pipes.
  • Treated to remove harmful chemicals before discharge.

4. Gas Collection

  • Methane from decomposing waste is collected.
  • Either flared or used for energy generation.

5. Capping & Closure

  • Landfill sealed with soil and vegetation.
  • Monitored for leachate leaks and gas emissions.

6. Post-Closure Monitoring

  • Ongoing monitoring of groundwater, air, and soil.
  • Some sites repurposed as parks or open spaces.

Types of Landfills

Environmental Concerns

Problems Caused by Landfills
• Groundwater Contamination
• Air Pollution (Methane Emissions)
• Space Shortage
• Odor and Pests

As a result, many countries are now focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and composting to reduce the burden on landfills.