What is the potential pollution from landfill waste disposal?
Solid household waste is recognised as a major threat to the environment, with high pollution potential. The average household in Britain generates approx. 600 kg of waste per year (11.5 kg per week); the total waste generated nationally is approx. 400 million tonnes per year. In mixed (unseparated) compostable waste, including kitchen and garden refuse, there is also a diverse range of other materials, some of which are potentially hazardous. These hazardous substances include: decorating products (paints, stains, varnish, paint thinners), garden products (pesticides, fungicides, herbicides), vehicle products (engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, car batteries), household cleaners (bleach, disinfectant, air fresheners), toiletries (cosmetics, old medicines) and other miscellaneous items. Batteries from watches, radios, mobile phones, etc. may contain heavy metals like mercury, nickel, cadmium. Leachate When such household waste in landfill sites is acted on by rainwater, the organic a
