What is a common issue associated with landfills?

A common issue associated with landfills is air and water pollution, particularly due to improper management practices. When waste is buried in landfills, it can produce harmful leachate, which is a toxic fluid formed when rainwater filters through waste materials. If this leachate is not properly contained, it can seep into groundwater and nearby water bodies, leading to contamination of drinking water supplies and ecosystems. Additionally, decomposing waste in landfills can release gases such as methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to air quality issues and climate change.

While landfills can sometimes be designed to harness renewable energy from captured methane gas, this is not a common issue; rather, it is a potential benefit when managed correctly. Enhanced biodiversity and optimization of waste decomposition are also not typical outcomes of landfill operations. Instead, landfills often pose significant environmental hazards if not carefully monitored and managed.