The Disadvantages of Landfills

Americans generated 243 million tons of household and commercial trash in 2009. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 81 million tons were recycled or composted, 29 million tons were burned and the remaining 132 million tons were dumped in landfills. Although recycling may be the best way to reduce trash, landfills are an important part of the nation's waste disposal system. Although they have improved over time, landfills still have disadvantages.

Methane

• As landfill waste breaks down, it produces methane, a pungent-smelling gas that causes headaches and nausea. Methane is also flammable. Lighter than air, methane can escape through the surface of a landfill and collect in nearby buildings and homes. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, methane becomes a fire risk when it reaches 5 percent of the air in an enclosed room. Landfill operators use methane collection systems to gather the gas and burn it with a controlled flare. Some landfills are installing technology to collect methane to burn and generate electricity.

Hydrogen Sulfide

• Construction and demolition debris containing drywall is often a significant portion of the waste in landfills. When drywall becomes wet, it decomposes and releases hydrogen sulfide, a vile-smelling gas often compared to rotten eggs. Like methane, hydrogen sulfide from landfills is considered a nuisance rather than a health threat. However, landfill neighbors experience eye irritation, headaches, nausea and respiratory problems due to hydrogen sulfide. State and federal regulations require landfill operators to monitor hydrogen sulfide levels. In high concentrations, the gas is fatal to humans.

Leachate

• Water from rain and snow seeps into landfills and mixes with fluids generated during the decomposition of waste. The fluid, or leachate, often contains chemicals, metals and other contaminants. Leachate percolates through the top layers of a landfill and can also drain down into underground streams that link to wells and public drinking supplies. Older landfills where waste was dumped prior to regulations banning different toxins produce leachate that raises the greatest risks for health and the environment. Modern landfills are built with liners and leachate collection systems that reduce risks.

Daily Disadvantages

• Landfills create a number of day-to-day disadvantages. Neighborhoods usually experience a significant increase in traffic, dust and carbon emissions from trucks hauling waste to the site. Landfill operators use heavy equipment to distribute waste throughout the site and the noise can be steady. Wind-borne litter and illegally dumped trash are common problems. Seagulls, rodents and other animals scavenge for food in landfills that are often considered to be eyesores that decrease property values.