Chapter 12Notes #2

A landfill is a waste disposal facility where wastes are put in the ground and covered each day with dirt, plastic, or both. 50% of our waste end up in one They are generally lined with clay or

plastic to stop leaks from entering the groundwater

Can create explosive gases that can build up in nearby buildings

Chemicals can leak out and pollute water Are meant to be long term storage sites Safer than old style open dumps

There are 2 main problems with landfills Leachate

Water that contains toxic chemicals dissolved from wastes in landfills

Landfills have a new system that they can use to collect and treat leachate

Methane A colorless, odorless, flammable gas,

CH4 seeps underground into homes up to 1000

feet away The methane can also be captured to

produce electricity

INCINERATORS

Incinerator – a plant used for burning solid waste material. What it does

Reduces solid waste sent to landfills by burning it to ash…

Can use the heat to produce steam

Incineration is not for all wasteSome things just don’t burnCreates air pollution – toxic

particles and other gasesAsh still needs disposing of…

incinerators

The steam can be used to generate electricity

Space needed in the landfill is reduced

Converts 30% of waste into toxic ash, which the EPA allows to be used as a daily landfill cover

Some pollution Communities less likely

to recycle Ash is more toxic than

the waste itself Contaminates air, soil,

and water.