What is wrong with putting rubbish in landfill sites?
Putting materials in a big hole in the ground prevents those materials from being used again. This means that new raw materials have to be attained, and energy has to be used, to manufacture replacement products. Recycling waste so that it can be used again prevents this from happening. In addition the landfill sites themselves have environmental problems associated with them and have a limited life expectancy. Landfill gas is created when biodegradable waste decomposes. It is comprised mainly of Carbon Dioxide and Methane both of which are harmful “greenhouse gases”, therefore when emitted to the atmosphere will contribute to the greenhouse effect. Methane can also be explosive if a build up is allowed to occur. There is also an issue with leachate, which is a polluting liquid run-off from the waste. Leachate can have a strength many times that of sewage and if allowed to get into a watercourse can cause significant harm to wildlife. Finally, landfill sites are generally not pleasant
