Damage of the Environment

1242 Words5 Pages
DAMAGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT Landfills are places where all our trash goes when we no longer need it. In the following ressay I am going to tell you about the different types of landfills there are, the problems that have come up with the building of landfills, and what can be done and is being done to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. First of all, "What are the different types of landfills?" Well, there are two different types of landfills; the first type is the old type of landfill which are often called open dumps where trash and other waste were thrown, often times in a ditch or just placed in a pile. These open dumps are a poor method of waste disposal because they cause numerous environmental problems. For example, they can ruin an area's appearance and provide a home and breeding ground for animals that spread disease. In addition, rain water drains through refuse and can carry harmful substances to nearby streams and to water that is used for drinking. Unregulated dumps where waste is burned in the open can cause smoke and foul-smelling air. Burning in open dumps has been prohibited in the United States. The other type of landfill is most often called a sanitary landfill. Properly operated sanitary landfills cause little damage to the environment. The waste is firmly packed by heavy tractors and other machinery, and covered with earth each day. The cover of earth prevents insects and other animals from getting into the refuse. In time, sanitary landfill sites become filled up. Many communities then cover the site with earth a final time and use the area for recreational purposes. Concern for the environment has led to the establishment of many strict laws and ordinances to control land disposal sites. A secure sanitary landfill is lined with materials like plastic or clay that prevents water from carrying leachates, or

More about Damage of the Environment

Open Document