Invest in Planet Savings

How does a landfill work?

Today, most landfills are structured like a beehive with several layers to keep the garbage and waste byproducts inside, while protecting the neighboring land and water. Landfill garbage is packed into cells, and each time a cell is filled, it is covered with dirt. A layer of a clay liner (usually about three feet of compacted clay) and a plastic liner help keep sewage from seeping out of the landfill. Over time, the garbage inside may decompose, which can produce methane and sulfurous gases. These have to be controlled or a build up of gases can create a hazardous situation.

Here’s a solution: RECYCLING! If we used less and recycled more, then our landfills could be reserved for only those items that have no other place to go. Why recycling? For starters, it means items go to a processing plant to be recycled and reused, rather than to the incinerator or landfill to be burned or buried. Plus, when old products can be reused or recycled into other materials, we also conserve energy and resources--and we produce less pollution.