The Effects of Trash on Earth's Environment

Trash that is discarded is a huge problem for the Earth's environment. Even if the trash is properly discarded, it still has to go somewhere -- such as into landfills or, in some cases, into the ocean through large trash barges that carry it out to sea a safe distance and then dump it. With more people living longer and more productive lives in the United States and elsewhere around the world, there is more trash that must be disposed of and dealt with on a regular basis. This can lead to huge environmental problems.

Trash Kills Animals

• An article in "The Telegraph" reported in 2009 that more than a million seabirds and 100,000 sea mammals such as dolphins and whales are killed by floating garbage each year. In many cases, this trash is eaten by these animals after they mistake it for some naturally occurring food or fish that they might normally eat. The animals then die, leading to depopulation and other problems.

General Pollution

• The great Pacific Garbage Patch is a floating collection of junk that has been collected by the currents and floats in the Pacific Ocean in an area known as the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. It is estimated that the patch contains at least 46,000 pieces of plastic trash per square mile, according to "The Telegraph." This pollution will eventually wash back up on shore, leading to polluted beaches. Medical waste can be dangerous for swimmers and beachgoers, and the pollution cuts down on tourism and other moneymaking operations in coastal areas, as well as interfering with fishery operations.

Destruction of Food Chains

• Trash and other discarded items are slowly destroying the food chain as well. By causing mass deaths of plankton and other insects and microorganisms, trash prevents larger animals from finding the food that they need to survive.

Chemical Waste

• The improper disposal of computers and other electronic items can result in the release of lead and mercury into landfills, as well as other chemicals. These chemicals do not break down easily in landfills; Green Citizen reports that when humans are exposed to these toxins, a number of problems can arise including birth defects and brain or liver damage.