Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Explore how bacteria and other microorganisms decompose solid-waste efficiently in sanitary landfills

Explore how bacteria and other microorganisms decompose solid-waste efficiently in sanitary landfills

Construction of a sanitary landfill.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
  • Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
    Learn about Chile's wine industry.
    The tradition of wine production in Chile
    The tradition of wine production in Chile
  • Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
    Johannes Gutenberg invented one of the first printing presses using movable type.
    Media Editor: Miranda Chabot
    How Did Gutenberg's Printing Press Work?
    Illustration of vintage printing press with bold text reading Gutenberg's printing press and a blue arrow pointing to the press, against a purple background.
  • Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
    Don't let film photography become a lost art.
    Media Editors: Lauren Sims , Kira Helm
    How (And Why) To Develop Photos in a Darkroom
    A person in glasses examines a strip of film in a darkroom. Overlaid text reads "What's the point of film photography?" with "film photography?" highlighted in blue.
  • Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Vchalup/Dreamstime.com; © Mariajojojo86/Dreamstime.com
    Learn why garbage is a valuable resource.
    Is garbage the next big resource for energy?
    Is garbage the next big resource for energy?
  • © American Chemical Society (A Britannica Publishing Partner)
    Learn why Styrofoam (polystyrene) is not recycled as much as it could be.
    Is Styrofoam recyclable?
    Is Styrofoam recyclable?
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce
    Learn how to prevent litter from ending up in the ocean.
    Discover how individuals can change their habits of consumption and disposal of single-use products, especially plastics, to keep trash out of the ocean
    Discover how individuals can change their habits of consumption and disposal of single-use products, especially plastics, to keep trash out of the ocean
  • Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Monkey Business Images/Dreamstime.com
    Learn how automobiles are recycled, including the uses of various parts.
    How most of a car's parts are recycled
    How most of a car's parts are recycled
Related Articles: sanitary landfill , solid-waste management

Transcript

NARRATOR: The sanitary landfill is often described as a dump in layers. The waste material brought to the landfill each day is spread, compacted in thin layers, and covered with soil to seal the refuse. Landfills must be planned so that any runoff will not reach ground surfaces or contaminate groundwater. Bacteria and other microorganisms will decompose the organic matter in the landfill over a period of at least 20 years. A carefully planned and maintained sanitary landfill is an efficient method of solid-waste disposal and when completed may provide desired additions to the landscape, such as parks, golf courses, and airports.