It’s no secret that the Earth has a waste problem. What we can’t reuse, recycle, or compost ends up in a landfill. These sites, where refuse and waste material are disposed of by burying and covering them with soil, have a significant impact on our environment. Let’s take a look at some of the world’s largest landfills and what makes them so significant.

World’s Biggest Landfills Mountains

Defining “biggest” isn’t always straightforward. We can consider the area they cover, the amount of waste they take in daily, or the total amount of waste they receive yearly. Here are some of the largest landfills in the world by area:

  • Apex Regional Landfill in Las Vegas, USA, covering 2,200 acres. This makes it the largest landfill in the world by area. It holds approximately 50 million tons of waste and is projected to last for about 250 years. The Apex Regional Landfill receives more than 10,000 tons of waste per day. This landfill also uses methane gas to generate power.
  • Bordo Poniente in Mexico City, Mexico, is the second largest by area, spanning 927 acres.
  • Laogang in Shanghai, China, covers 830 acres.
  • Malagrotta in Rome, Italy, spans 680 acres.
  • Puente Hills in Los Angeles, USA, encompasses 630 acres.
  • Sudokwon in Incheon, South Korea, covers 570 acres.
  • Delhi Landfills in India, span 500 acres.

Other landfills are larger by the amount of waste they receive. Sudokwon landfill, for example, receives approximately 20,000 tons of waste per day, which is more than any other landfill worldwide. Another significant landfill is the Fresh Kills Landfill in New York, which is noted as one of the largest man-made structures in history, although it has since been turned into a park. It’s also important to note the Deonar dumping ground, which is India’s oldest and largest.

Why are landfills a problem?

Landfills pose significant environmental threats. The key issues include:

  • Greenhouse gases: As waste decomposes, it releases methane and carbon dioxide. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and a significant contributor to climate change. Some landfills, like Apex Regional and others, are capturing this methane to generate energy.
  • Toxins: Many waste materials contain toxic substances that leach into the soil and groundwater. Electronic waste, for instance, contains hazardous materials such as mercury and arsenic.
  • Leachate: This toxic liquid forms when water filters through waste, polluting waterways and groundwater.

What can we do?

Fortunately, we can all contribute to reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Recycle: Recycling keeps materials like plastic and glass in circulation.
  • Compost: Composting biodegradable items like food scraps can significantly reduce landfill waste.
  • Be Mindful of Purchases: Avoid buying single-use plastics and consider eco-friendly products.
  • Repurpose and Repair: Before throwing items away, see if they can be repaired or repurposed.

We all need to reduce waste sent to landfills. By reducing, reusing, and recycling, we protect our environment and create a circular economy, while improving our communities. For commercial recycling bins and outdoor trash cans, Trashcans Unlimited is a great place to start.

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