Why Not Put Yard Wastes in Landfills?
Since these materials are relatively clean and biodegradable, disposal in landfills may be unnecessary and wastes space. In addition, as yard wastes decompose in landfills, they generate methane gas and acidic leachate. Methane is a colorless, explosive greenhouse gas that is released as bacteria decompose organic materials in landfills. If methane is not controlled at a landfill, it can seep underground and into nearby buildings, where it has the potential to explode. Yard wastes also contribute acidity that can make other waste constituents more mobile and therefore more toxic. A number of states across the nation have implemented yard waste composting programs. To learn how many composting programs are in your state, visit Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) State Data page.
