Landfills contribute to pollution in several ways:
Leachate: This is the liquid that percolates through the waste material and picks up various toxic substances along the way. If not properly managed, leachate can contaminate groundwater and surface water. Greenhouse Gases: Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Methane is approximately 25 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Air Pollution: Landfills emit various air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), which can have adverse health effects on humans and animals. Soil Contamination: Improperly managed landfills can lead to soil contamination, affecting plant growth and entering the food chain.
