IMAGE : PROPERTY OF PETRO DIAMANT & EARTH ALIVE 365

This image is part of a series of images for the Earth Alive 365 Awareness Portfolio for Near Threatened & Endangered Species

PETRO DIAMANT & EARTH ALIVE 365 do not promote nor encourage taking images with animals. We do also do not promote nor encourage taking images at dumpsites and landfills. This image is used to raise awareness on current issues pertaining to plastic, plastic pollution, consumerism and humanities impact on the Earth and all we share it with.

TIRED OF WASTE Awareness Art : Landfills & Dumpsites

Awareness Artist for Near Threatened and Endangered Species: Petro Diamant

Photographer : Lindie Prinsloo

Read the Mission Statement here mission statement

Overview of Landfills

Landfills are sites where waste is disposed of and buried. They are a common method of waste management but can have significant environmental impacts. Here’s a breakdown of various aspects related to landfills:

Top Ten Biggest Landfills in the World

1. Great Pacific Garbage Patch - While not a traditional landfill, this floating collection of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean is one of the largest accumulations of waste.
2. Al-Azraq Landfill, Jordan - One of the largest in the Middle East.
3. Dharavi Landfill, Mumbai, India - A major landfill site serving the dense population of Mumbai.
4. Ghazipur Landfill, Delhi, India - Known for its massive size and significant environmental issues.
5. Sudokwon Landfill, Seoul, South Korea - One of the largest in Asia, covering a vast area.
6. Laogang Landfill, Shanghai, China - A large landfill site handling waste for one of the world’s most populous cities.
7. Bantar Gebang Landfill, Jakarta, Indonesia - One of the largest in Southeast Asia.
8. Ward 92 Landfill, South Africa - Notably large for South Africa.
9. Puente Hills Landfill, Los Angeles, USA - One of the largest landfills in the United States, now closed.
10. Fresh Kills Landfill, New York City, USA - Once the largest landfill in the world, it has been closed and converted into a park.

Landfills in South Africa

1. Ward 92 Landfill, Johannesburg - A large landfill site in Gauteng.
2. Kya Sand Landfill, Johannesburg - Another major landfill site in Johannesburg.
3. Durban Landfill - Serving the city of Durban.
4. Cape Town Landfill - Serving Cape Town and surrounding areas.
5. Pietermaritzburg Landfill - Serving Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal.

Issues with Landfills

1. Environmental Pollution:
   • Leachate: Liquid that forms when waste breaks down in landfills, which can contaminate soil and groundwater.
   • Methane Emissions: Landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which contributes to climate change.
   • Odors: Decomposing waste can produce unpleasant smells.
2. Impact on Waterways:
   • Contamination: Leachate can seep into rivers and oceans, leading to pollution.
   • Microplastics: Waste breakdown, especially plastics, can introduce microplastics into water bodies.
3. Soil Contamination:
   • Heavy Metals: Waste can contain toxic metals that leach into the soil.
   • Organic Decomposition: The breakdown of organic matter can alter soil chemistry and affect plant life.

Types of Landfills

1. Sanitary Landfills: Engineered to minimize environmental impact, including liners to prevent leachate leakage and systems to capture methane.
2. Open Dumps: Less regulated and can lead to significant environmental issues.
3. Secure Landfills: Designed for hazardous waste with extensive containment measures.
4. Construction and Demolition Landfills: Specifically for construction debris and materials.

Landfills Made Up of Clothing

Clothing Waste: Often ends up in landfills where textiles contribute to bulk waste. Specific landfills dedicated to clothing are less common, but textile waste is a significant problem in general landfills. Clothing can be particularly problematic due to:

• Non-Biodegradable Materials: Many textiles are made from synthetic fibers that do not break down easily.
• Toxic Chemicals: Some textiles are treated with dyes and chemicals that can leach into the environment.

Summary

Landfills play a critical role in waste management but pose various environmental challenges. From the world's largest landfills to local sites in South Africa, the issues of pollution, contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions are significant concerns. Understanding and managing these impacts is crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of landfills and improving waste management practices.