What Toxic Chemical Is Produced By Waste At Landfill?
Key Takeaways
- According to studies, landfill gas contains 45% to 60% methane and 40% to 60% carbon dioxide.
- The liquid produced at landfill sites is called leachate.
- The UK government plans to limit municipal waste going to landfills by 2035 to only 10% or less of the total amount of municipal waste generated (by weight).
According to studies, landfill gas contains 45% to 60% methane and 40% to 60% carbon dioxide. These are produced when bacteria break down organic materials, including organic waste.
The liquid produced at landfill sites is called leachate. This toxic substance contains many chemicals, including ammonia nitrogen compounds and heavy metals. These harmful components pose a significant threat to the environment and human health, especially if not managed through proper treatment systems.
How Does This Impact The Environment and Human Health?
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Landfills are a significant source of gas emissions, especially methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Methane is emitted from landfill sites when organic waste decomposes in anaerobic conditions.
Carbon dioxide, while less potent than methane, is still a major contributor to global warming. These gases exacerbate environmental challenges and amplify the long-term effects of climate change.
Leachate Chemicals
Leachate, a type of liquid waste, can severely affect environmental health if it leaks into soil and water systems. Containing heavy metals, ammonia nitrogen compounds, and other toxic substances, it can lead to contamination of groundwater and nearby ecosystems.
Such pollution has long-term consequences, potentially disrupting ecosystems and creating health issues for humans. Direct exposure or consumption of contaminated water can lead to serious health risks.
How Is Landfill Gas Produced?
Gas production at landfill sites begins when organic materials, such as food scraps, garden clippings, and other biodegradable waste, decompose. In an oxygen-deprived environment, bacteria break down these materials, releasing methane and carbon dioxide as by-products.
Over time, the accumulation of these gases can lead to harmful health impacts if not properly managed. Modern landfills often include systems to capture these gases, using them as a source of renewable energy or safely flaring them to minimise harm.
Future Landfill Trends UK
According to the UK government, various initiatives and plans have been put in place in the hopes to reduce the impact of landfills. Five of these ambitions include:
- Working towards all plastic packaging placed on the market being recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.
- Working towards eliminating food waste to landfill by 2030.
- Eliminating avoidable plastic waste over the lifetime of the 25 Year Environment Plan.
- Doubling resource productivity by 2050.
- Eliminating avoidable waste of all kinds by 2050.
Each of these steps will hopefully reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfill sites, and threats to human health from these facilities. According to their publication, the strategy limits municipal waste going to landfills by 2035 to only 10% or less of the total amount of municipal waste generated (by weight).
We Divert Waste From Landfill Sites
We collect and recycle waste nationwide for businesses, helping to divert materials from landfill sites. All of the waste we collect will recycled where possible, or treated safely. This ensures commercial waste is handled in the most environmentally friendly manner. Waste we collect includes cardboard, paper, chemicals, hazardous waste, batteries and much more.
