Question

What are the basic characteristics of a modern landfill site? List any three and also mention the reasons for their use?

Answer 1

Hint: Modern landfills are well-engineered facilities that are used for the disposal of solid waste. These sites are made by layering techniques to isolate different kinds of wastes. They are a better way of disposal of waste as compared to old techniques being used.

Complete answer:
At Waste Management everyone should be committed to doing the right thing, the right way. Management includes our landfill sites, where we implement processes and technologies that ensure environmental safety and sustainability goals are met.

Modern landfills are made by layering systems that are designed to isolate waste and monitor byproducts, leaks and other things that can harm the environment. There are landfills filled with gases that are even harnessed for conversion to renewable energy. The modern landfill begins with a careful evaluation that is made under the supervision of engineers.

Modern landfill sites are used in isolating the trash from air and water for preventing contamination. Characteristic of these landfills are:
1. These landfills help in preventing the leachate from seeping into the underground aquifers. It helps in preventing soil pollution as well as groundwater pollution.
2. Compaction and covering of landfills help in preventing it from being blown by air. Compaction helps in better space utilization as more waste can be accommodated in small spaces whereas covering prevents the spread of dust and harmful germs this is safer from a health perspective.
3. These landfills help in the extraction of gas for the use of generation of power. In some countries, they become an important contributor to power generation.

Note: These are initiated by The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act passed by Congress in 1976, these dumps were overhauled and have become more efficient and environmentally conscious. The RCRA expanded the federal government's role in managing waste disposal. They have developed design and operational standards for sanitary landfills.