Dumping sites (also known as landfills) are used to dispose of waste that cannot be recycled or reused. This can include domestic rubbish, as well as materials from construction and industrial companies.

They are also a source of environmental pollution as the waste disposed of at landfills takes millions of years to break down. This means that a lot of work needs to be done to ensure they comply with environmental laws and regulations.

Some of the main issues arising from dumping are air and water pollution, noise, odor and reduced property values. In addition, they are a health hazard and can affect wildlife.

1. Landfills can cause odour problems

The waste that is deposited at landfills may have an odour of putrefaction which is unpleasant to the people living in close proximity to them. This can result in respiratory infections and other health concerns. The odour can be prevented by proper daily covering of the waste and using odour diluting agents.

2. Landfills can contaminate groundwater

The leachate that is produced from the rotting waste in a landfill site can become toxic, which then contaminates nearby streams, ponds and lakes. This can harm the habitat of many different types of wildlife, and it can also deplete soil fertility.

3. Landfills can also be a source of harmful chemicals

The toxic leachate that is produced by landfills can contain harmful substances like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyls (PBDs). They can contaminate groundwater and soil, and can also be a threat to health.

4. Landfills can also be a fire risk

The gases that are released by landfills can easily start fires. If fires are not extinguished, they can destroy the surrounding area and damage wildlife.

5. The odour and visual impact of a landfill are negative for the local community

The waste that is deposited at landfills can have an odour of putrefaction, which is unpleasant to the people living in close vicinity to them. This can result in respiratory infections, eye irritation and other health concerns. The odour of putrefaction can be prevented by proper daily covering of the sewage waste and using odour diluting substances.

6. Landfills can be a health hazard

The toxic leachate that is produced from the rotting waste in a landfill can cause lung disorders and other health concerns. The odour and visual impact of the landfill are negative for the local community, and the odour can be prevented by proper everyday covering of the sewage waste and using odor diluting agents.

7. Landfills can also be a fire hazard

The gases that are released by landfillscan easily start fires. If fires aren’t extinguished, they can destroy the nearby area and damage wildlife.

8. Landfills can be a fire hazard

The odour and visual impact of landfills are negative for the local community, and the smoke and dust from the emitted gases can be dangerous to health. The odour of putrefaction is caused by the combination of dead plants and organic waste.