Define the term 'landfill' in the context of waste management.

In the context of waste management, a landfill is defined as a designated site for the disposal of waste by burial. This method involves the systematic placement of waste materials into a carefully prepared excavation or trench, where they are covered with soil or other materials to minimize environmental impact. Landfills are engineered to contain waste safely and prevent it from causing harm to the surrounding environment, such as groundwater contamination or the release of harmful gases.

Landfills are typically used for the disposal of solid waste that cannot be recycled, composted, or treated through other means. They are managed according to regulatory standards that govern their construction, operation, monitoring, and closure to ensure compliance with public health and environmental safety. The effectiveness of a landfill in managing waste is often assessed through measures like methane collection systems and leachate management.

The other options represent different waste management practices. Recycling facilities focus on processing materials to reclaim valuable resources, composting areas are aimed at organic waste decomposition, and incineration plants are designed to burn waste to reduce its volume and generate energy. Each of these practices serves a specific purpose in the waste management hierarchy, but they do not fit the definition of a landfill.