Author: Emily Su; Sources: Unisan UK, Share it! Science, Unsplash

Landfills

INTRODUCTION

Landfills are utilized for waste disposal. Most waste that goes to landfills is waste that is not recycled or reused. However, organic waste can also be disposed of into landfills without proper disposal. 

“It is a fact of life that humans produce waste, that cannot be changed. Waste is cumbersome issue that civilisation has to deal with.” — Unisan UK

ACTIVITY 1

Landfill Model (Unisan UK)

Materials: an empty plastic bottle, soil, clay/play dough, plastic wrap, cotton balls, gravel, trash from the recycling, trash can or compost bin, small plants or grass seed (optional) // Duration: 10-15 minutesCut the top off of the plastic bottle

  • Add your first layer of soil

  • Then add clay or play dough

  • Add plastic wrap for your third layer

  • Then add cotton balls to your next layer

  • Put gravel for your fifth layer

  • The sixth layer will be trash

  • Add another layer of clay, plastic wrap, and gravel

  • You can top if off with soil and grass (optional)

LESSON

Although landfills provide a place for waste to be disposed of, they are also a major source of pollution. The three main problems of landfills are toxins, leachate, and greenhouse gasses (Unisan UK).

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