What is a sanitary landfill designed to do?

A sanitary landfill is specifically designed to contain waste materials and minimize their environmental impact. This is achieved through a series of engineered safety features that prevent waste from leaching into the surrounding soil and groundwater, and manage gases produced by decomposing waste. Factors such as liners, leachate collection systems, and proper compaction and covering of waste all contribute to ensuring that the landfill operates safely and environmentally responsibly.

In contrast to increasing landfill space, a sanitary landfill prioritizes environmental protection rather than merely accommodating more waste. Facilitating illegal dumping is contrary to the purpose of a sanitary landfill, which is to properly manage waste. Storing hazardous materials safely is a separate concern, as specific facilities and regulations are dedicated to the handling of such materials, rather than relying on sanitary landfills, which are primarily intended for non-hazardous waste. Thus, the design and function of a sanitary landfill focus on controlling waste disposal to safeguard public health and the environment.