What is a key indicator of landfill capacity?

The remaining airspace available for waste disposal is a critical indicator of landfill capacity because it directly reflects how much waste can still be accommodated before the landfill reaches its maximum limit. As waste is added to the landfill, it fills the available airspace, and once that space is fully utilized, the landfill cannot accept any more waste. Therefore, monitoring the remaining airspace helps in planning for future waste management strategies, determining when the landfill may need to be expanded or closed, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

This focus on airspace is essential for maintaining efficient operations and maximizing the lifespan of the landfill. Factors like the type of waste accepted, the experience of the management team, and financial investments, while important for overall landfill operations, do not provide a direct measure of current capacity in the same way that remaining airspace does.