Did you know the U.S. produces 200 million tons of solid waste each day? It's true, the United States and other countries around the world are battling the problems trash presents, where to put it, and how to get rid of it. The answer is always the same, "I don't know!" yes, we claim to have ways but they just don't work.
The United States makes 200 million tons of trash per day. That's
4.3 pounds of trash per person, and we're running out of places
to put it. More than 70% of it could be recycled though. "Can't
we just burn it?" you ask. No, if we burn the trash, it releases
toxic smoke into the air. It also causes smog and certain kinds
of smoke that eats the ozone layer. We have a problem.
Still, landfills can be turned into parks or places to build homes.
Most are too toxic to build on though. The EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency) has to approve the site before it can be used>
The same land is not as dangerous to build on for commercial or
industrial use though. The human risk is less.
Many landfills also have leaks. According to the EPA, 82% of landfills
liners have flaws in them that allow waste to leak out into soil
or water. When the waste leaks into soil or water it is very expensive
and often impossible to clean up. There isn't a way to prevent
leaks in the landfills either.
Pollution is a very big problem, not just in the U.S. but all
over the world. Mistakes that could threaten the planet, including
us and every other living thing on Earth. Mistakes like the using
of pesticides, and the wasting of resources. Many things are being
done, but it's just not enough.
http://www.epa.gov/region09/solid/faq.htm#3
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/garbage/solidwaste.html
http://www.zerowasteamerica.org/Landfills.htm