Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of modern-day landfills in the United States

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In contrast to open landfills, modern-day sanitary landfills prevent waste from contaminating the environment and threatening public health. Sanitary landfills also deal with trash in a more controlled manner than open dumping, and so minimize issues with trash escaping into the environment and harming wildlife (some land-based trash has ended up in places like the Pacific Ocean). Sanitary landfills are regulated by state or local governments and must meet federal standards. The bottom and sides must be lined with heavy plastic and clay to prevent groundwater contamination. Anaerobic bacteria that decompose landfill waste produce methane, which can be captured and used as an energy source. If this landfill gas is not captured, however, it can contribute to smog and global climate change, because methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Methane is also volatile and can cause an explosion. The dry state of landfills precludes rapid waste decay because decomposers thrive in wet conditions. Paper has been found to survive intact for decades. It has become increasingly difficult to find areas at which to locate new landfills. Most communities do not want large landfills in their midst for aesthetic reasons and for fear of potential health risks.