Solid wastes from dumps cc sitesLinks to an external site. are hazardous to the surrounding water supply. They can leach into bedrock aquifers and pose a threat to the environment and local water supplies. In some cases, the dumps have visible openings, called throats, that can be portals to the underlying aquifer. Identifying the depth of a throat is an important step towards remediation. Abandoned cars, for example, can also be used to plug the throats.

The environmental impact of dump sites is largely determined by where they are located and their proximity to watersheds. If they are in a watershed, their impact on streams, wells, springs, and groundwater aquifers is significant. To estimate the impact of a dump, many factors must be considered, including the physical, chemical, biological, and flowpaths of leachate. Even if a dump doesn't contain toxic waste, the trash can affect aquifers, resulting in gross contamination.

When you find dump sites on your property, report them to the local authorities. If the dumps are visible, put up warning signs and barriers around them. You can also ask local waste haulers and organizations to sponsor cleanup activities. The waste haulers will help you determine the best way to clean up the sites and provide the necessary equipment and containers.

The map is a work in progress. The current map shows approximately 120 sites that have been identified as dump sites. A previous map, based on state records, only listed 60 sites. The new map will contain dozens more sites, as well as undocumented dump sites. The increased number of landfills is due to improved detective work by the waste authority. Some landfills are high-rise and "sanitary" facilities covering hundreds of acres. Other sites are convenience dumps, which include landfills that are abandoned shellrock mines or even trenches used for filling construction projects.

Illegal dumping is also common around steep roads. Despite being visible, these roads are often the most convenient spots for dumping rubbish out of sight. Roadway workers also perpetuate the practice by importing loads of soil to cover dump sites. As time passes, these sites become crescent-shaped, which hides new loads of trash. In addition, the roadside trash is weeded to hide the new loads. In most cases, removing the trash from these sites is a pointless endeavor.

The presence of dumpsites has caused a significant impact on local communities in the region. They are not only a health and environmental hazard but also a threat to local livelihoods. Additionally, the dumping of toxic wastes has undermined the long-term development prospects of the people living in the affected areas.

There are various types of waste in dump sites, including medical waste. These include prescription and non-prescription medications, medical supplies, hypodermic needles, and disposable gloves and masks. Some of these items are biologically hazardous, and the medical profession has strict guidelines for how to dispose of them. However, some individuals also use medical supplies at home, and medical waste occasionally ends up in dump sites. If you notice any of these wastes, contact your local solid waste authority for guidance on the proper way to dispose of it.

In Alimosho, Lagos, Nigeria, heavy metal contamination levels have been found around dump sites. These levels are comparable to those in China's Pearl River Delta. These findings are part of a larger investigation to determine whether such contamination is a serious environmental concern. This study will be published in a future issue of Environmental Health

The leachate from dump sites is also a significant source of pollution. The water from the site contains a high concentration of heavy metals. The contaminated water eventually enters the surrounding river. Further, the water in the stream is affected by the high concentration of nutrients in the leachate. In addition, the lack of a drainage system makes the water in the stream highly prone to pollution.

There have been several major disasters in landfills in recent years. The Addis Ababa landfill collapse in Ethiopia caused an estimated 113 fatalities. In Sri Lanka, the Meethotamulla landfill site suffered a landslide in February, destroying more than 140 homes. The Zaldivar landfill site in India suffered a similar tragedy in February, 2020. There have been several more instances of landfill collapses, with some landfills becoming unstable due to rain, spontaneous combustion, and excessive accumulation of debris.

Dump sites also release various inorganic pollutants. These include metals and nutrients. These come from automobile, industrial, and household waste.