What Are the Different Types of Landfills?

All goods go on a journey, from the design and manufacturing process to selling in a storefront. You might think that these journeys end once you toss your products in the trash. The truth is that the life of an item doesn’t end once you throw it away; there’s an entire industry dedicated to garbage disposal, and it can get rather complex. 

There are several waste management methods people use to get rid of their excess stuff. Most are familiar with dump sites that collect large amounts of waste from both residential and commercial locations.

You might be asking yourself, “What are the different types of landfills?” If you’re curious about where your garbage goes once you’re done with it, keep reading to learn more. 

Municipal Waste Landfills

The most common types of dump sites that people know of are municipal waste landfills. These locations hold non-toxic materials that don’t pose an immediate threat to the surrounding human population or environment. Household items like paper, tissues, and boxes often end up in these sites and become buried once the landfill reaches capacity.

Industrial Waste Landfills

The next kind of landfill you should know about is industrial waste landfills. These sites house large, non-hazardous materials from construction projects. Bricks, lumber, metal, concrete—if you can build with it, you can put it in an industrial waste landfill. These dump locations also contain items with coal residue that won’t put any nearby ecosystems at risk. These sites often play an essential part in recovering and repurposing construction materials so reusable items can get a second chance at life. 

Hazardous Waste Landfills

Different industrial disposal services handle materials that are too dangerous to go to municipal or industrial waste landfills. Things like paint thinners, cleaning supplies, and other flammable, corrosive, or toxic products end up in these tightly regulated dump sites.

Hazardous waste landfills use unique tools and techniques to keep substances from leaking into the land and water supply. Companies that specialize in hazardous waste disposal know exactly what kinds of things can go to the location to keep your business from breaking any federal or local guidelines. 

Whether you’re a young mom taking out her household trash or a big business disposing of your toxic byproducts, everyone benefits from understanding where their garbage goes. Now that you know what the different types of landfills are, you can develop a better appreciation for your waste management providers. 

Author

  • On the PULSE

    On the PULSE is an online media outlet in Northcentral, Pennsylvania. We specialize in in-depth journalism, human interest content and video features. Our mission is to build engagement in community through local news.

    View all posts
On the PULSE

On the PULSE is an online media outlet in Northcentral, Pennsylvania. We specialize in in-depth journalism, human interest content and video features. Our mission is to build engagement in community through local news.