Why do landfills exist?

A landfill is an intentionally created human act, just like anything else people create. The problem, however, is unlike other creations, landfills need management to prevent unwanted consequences.

A landfill is created--not caused-- when people legally or illegally dump any kind of waste. Many rural roads have dumps off hillsides--illegal dumping--that makes a partial landfill. A private landowner can request certain types of legal dumping to fill in a slope--for example, old concrete, rock, but no waste or garbage (which can only be legally dumped in certain managed landfills). Managed landfills, the ones we hear the most about, are licensed businesses that accept biodegradable waste. Other licensed business accept non-biodegradable waste or specialized waste-- for example, certain types of construction products.