Abstract
Landfilling is the most common contemporary waste management method. Unfortunately, it is not one that can be sustained long term as we run out of viable sites and landfills continue to fill up much faster than anticipated. Landfilling also poses challenges that urgently need to be addressed. Leachate from landfill sites contaminates soil and groundwater, and the associated odors cause health concerns and discomfort among nearby residents. Furthermore, the emitted greenhouse gases are adding to the environmental damage. These effects can be alleviated if waste generation is reduced. Since dwellings are a leading generator of waste, this chapter focuses on finding sustainable ways to reduce the amount of waste created or to divert it to beneficial practices such as composting and recycling.
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© 2012 Avi Friedman
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Friedman, A. (2012). Waste Management and Disposal. In: Fundamentals of Sustainable Dwellings. Island Press/Center for Resource Economics. https://doi.org/10.5822/978-1-61091-211-2_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5822/978-1-61091-211-2_13
Publisher Name: Island Press/Center for Resource Economics
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