... high density plastic, which is a major advantage in reducing leachates. The waste is then compacted by soil to prevent vermin, stop odours and is capped by clay to seal the landfill. The waste is also compacted to stop air pockets and methane build up, and to decrease subsidence. A further advantage is that rainfall is diverted in pipes around the perimeter of the pit so that rainfall does not cause leachates. Also methane is collected as this causes air pollution and the possibility of explosions but can be used as a fuel for heat and power. However large amounts of carbon dioxide and toxic gases are produced and released into the atmosphere. This could be limited by reducing the amount of organic matter in landfill (composting) but at the present time this is not the case. The main limitations of landfill are the outbreaks of fires due to gases building ...

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