The Primary Causes of Landfill Waste

Though considered unsustainable and potentially damaging to our environment, landfills are something of a necessary evil. As our waste levels continue to increase, so too does the need for landfills to remain open and in operation. Below, we highlight some of the primary causes of landfill waste, and how we can improve our waste disposal to become more sustainable. 

Population Growth

Arguably the primary cause of the increased strain placed on our landfills is the ever-growing population across the world. With more people, more waste will naturally follow, and without action, this will soon begin to outweigh the amount of landfill space we have left. 

Agricultural Waste

As our population grows, so too does the demand for food, with an increasing emphasis placed on our agricultural land to produce the farmed goods to meet market expectations. As a direct consequence of increased agricultural work, comes a much larger amount of waste. Generated from animal manure, crop remains and worn out produce, agricultural waste is typically rich in chemical fertilisers and capable of contaminating soil. Despite this, it still reaches landfills at an alarming rate. 

Solid Waste

The primary cause of landfill waste can include any form of solid waste generated from a number of different industries or sources. This will typically include food waste, electrical items or goods, plastics, wires, cables, hospital waste and any rubbish generated in shopping malls, cinemas or large public complexes. These types of materials are generally not suitable for recycling and play a major part in the accumulation of landfill waste. Solid waste is also found at home, at school or at any location that may be likely to generate some form of waste.

Industrial Waste

Waste generated from industrial plants or refineries, such as wood, metal waste, or potentially even nuclear waste from energy plants, industrial or construction waste often make their way to landfills, despite most of the materials found there are suitable for recycling. 

Urbanisation 

With increased population and demand for housing, offices and cityscapes, our urban environment has dramatically increased over the past half-century, which as a result, has caused a major spike in levels of waste reaching landfills. Plastics, chemicals and other toxic or non-biodegradable substances are extremely common in urban areas and without the appropriate recycling or disposal method taken, they will inevitably reach landfills. 

At WM Thompson & Sons Ltd our landfill site, situated in a former quarry, is fully S.E.P.A. licensed and dedicated to maintaining a positive impact on the local landscape and environment. Conveniently located close to our quarry, our landfill site works alongside each part of the business to offer sustainable waste disposal for customers across West Scotland. Whatever your waste removal or landfill needs, contact us today.