What happens when waste rots in landfill (and what can be done)?

We all know that it’s better for the environment to refuse, reuse and recycle before throwing something away and having it end up in landfill.

Pressure on landfills is mounting in England as new government legislation to ban items from landfill has come into effect.

But did you know just how detrimental waste rotting in landfill is for the planet and your local community?

Rotten to the core

When your waste ends up in a landfill, it begins to decompose.

This natural process not only produces unpleasant odours (overfilling has generated smells detected from over 1km away), but also harmful greenhouse gases, primarily methane.

Methane is a potent contributor to climate change and has a significantly greater warming effect than carbon dioxide over a shorter time frame.

And it’s not just gases that are released from landfill rubbish…

MORE: ‘The world’s dumping ground’: The reality of where our ‘recyclables’ end up

Toxic sludge

As waste decomposes and rainwater passes through it, a toxic liquid known as leachate is formed.

This hazardous waste can contaminate groundwater, soil, and nearby water bodies, posing a serious risk to ecosystems and public health.

Leachate can absorb heavy metals, organic pollutants, pathogens, and a host of other hazardous materials that runoff carries beyond the confines of the landfill site.

Landfills that are filled beyond their annual quotas are particularly dangerous, especially when hit with a heavy storm.

MORE: SunSkips plans to save 100k tonnes of waste going to landfill

Fortunately, the government is well aware we’re reaching breaking point with overstuffed landfills, and measures are being taken to curtail it.

Taking action

The UK has made significant strides in recycling and waste reduction, but there’s still work to be done.

As the country races to bring down emissions ahead of the 2050 Net Zero goal, it’s time to step up efforts to minimise the impact of waste in landfills:

Reducing waste: Practising responsible consumption and reducing waste at the source prevents the need for waste management in the first place.

Recycling: Committing to recycling as much as possible keeps materials in the circular economy and reduces the need for landfill disposal.

Sustainable alternatives: Advocating for and supporting sustainable waste management practices and alternatives, such as composting and waste-to-energy technologies.

Banning waste: In 2023, the government banned two waste types; soft seating (which could contain POPs waste), and wood from houses built before 2007 (which may contain harmful treatments).

Spreading awareness: Staying informed and sharing knowledge about the environmental and societal impacts of landfills can help win hearts and minds in the battle for a more sustainable nation.

Eco-friendly waste management: SunSkips is 100% transparent about how it manages customers’ waste so they feel confident they’re choosing the best solution for the environment’s sake.

By paying attention to what happens in landfills and actively engaging in waste reduction and sustainable practices, we can contribute to a cleaner, greener, and healthier future for everyone.

SunSkips is committed to diverting as much waste from landfill as possible. Choose the sustainable skip hire company that you can trust to manage your waste responsibly.