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Approximately 35-40% of the waste in landfills is paper and cardboard. Recycling paper is important to reduce the amount of paper waste that ends up in landfills, as it can take a long time to decompose and contributes to methane emissions.
Landfill sites typically contain household waste such as plastic, paper, glass, and food scraps, as well as commercial and industrial waste. Hazardous materials, such as chemicals and batteries, are also disposed of in specialized sections of the landfill. Additionally, construction and demolition debris like concrete, wood, and metal are commonly found in landfill sites.
The amount of land that landfills take up can vary significantly depending on the size and capacity of the landfill. On average, a landfill can cover several acres of land, with some larger landfills covering hundreds of acres. As the landfill fills up with waste, the area required for storage will continue to grow.
An apple core can take anywhere from few weeks to a few months to decompose in a landfill, depending on the conditions such as moisture, temperature, and the presence of oxygen and microbes. Generally, organic materials like apple cores decompose faster compared to non-biodegradable items.
A landfill site can contaminate groundwater through the leakage of harmful chemicals and pollutants from decomposing waste materials. Rainwater can percolate through the waste, picking up contaminants and carrying them into the groundwater. Additionally, improper landfill construction or maintenance can lead to the direct release of pollutants into the surrounding soil and groundwater.
Using too much paper contributes to global warming because the paper production process releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. This process requires energy, often produced by burning fossil fuels, which further adds to the carbon footprint. Additionally, paper waste that ends up in landfills decomposes and releases methane, another potent greenhouse gas.