How Does
How Is Solid Waste Disposed?
Landfills
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Solid waste can be deposited in landfills, which are abandoned quarries and pits specially conditioned for waste storage. Landfills must meet certain containment specifications and must be managed to avoid solid waste seeping into the ground and causing water contamination. Landfills must be monitored for greenhouse gas emissions, and the solid waste is crushed and compacted to ward off rodent infestation.
Incineration
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Solid waste can be incinerated. While this is effective in places where spare land is not available for landfills, incineration poses the threat of air pollution. As solid waste is burned, the smoke can carry waste particles and consist of greenhouse gases. Via incineration, solid waste is reduced to gas, steam and ash. Some incineration facilities are able to turn the byproduct into energy.
Reprocessing
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Solid waste can be reprocessed. Depending on its makeup, solid waste can be used for compost. If the waste is primarily organic (e.g., vegetation, food and paper products), it can be stored and allowed to decompose. The compost is then used for farming, as fertilizer, or landscaping. Reprocessed solid waste also creates methane gas, which can be harnessed and used as an energy source.
eHow Article: How Is Solid Waste Disposed?
