In solid waste management, what does "landfill" refer to?

A landfill specifically refers to a designated site where waste is disposed of by burial. This involves the systematic deposit of waste in an area designed to contain waste materials, thereby preventing exposure to the environment and minimizing pollution. The process usually incorporates various environmental protections and management practices to deal with leachate and gas emissions, ensuring that the impact on surrounding areas is managed effectively.

In contrast, the options that suggest recycling facilities, incineration locations, or temporary waste storage do not align with the definition of a landfill. Recycling facilities focus on processing materials to recover resources, incineration involves burning waste to reduce its volume and generate energy, and temporary waste storage refers to places where waste is held pending further treatment or disposal—none of which involve the burial of waste, which is the defining characteristic of a landfill.