Waste is a growing issue worldwide, especially in the United States. According to Recycling Revolution, the U.S. produces more waste than any other nation, at 1,609 pounds per person annually. Tons of waste fill up landfills each year, making it necessary to have a plan for managing and disposing of the waste. Read on to see why landfill maintenance matters.

Avoid Contamination

Contamination from improperly disposed waste can seep into the environment, leading to air and water pollution. Routine monitoring and care help prevent hazardous materials from escaping. Regular inspections of the site should include frequent testing of nearby water sources. People and animals near the landfill both benefit from proper waste management.

Minimize Odors

Landfills can produce unpleasant odors that waft into the surrounding area. This is especially true when organic materials like food waste start to decompose. Reduce the smell by improving ventilation and covering odorous material with a layer of soil.

Reduce Fire Risk

Improperly managed landfills can become hotbeds for fires that cause air pollution, smoke, and other health concerns. Fire needs fuel, and a pile of waste sitting in a landfill provides plenty. When sites are regularly monitored, potential fire hazards can be controlled and extinguished to help keep the air clean. Site managers can install and test fire suppression systems to ensure they work properly.

Improve Health

Routine maintenance helps reduce landfill-related health risks for people living nearby. Contamination from improperly managed waste sites can also lead to respiratory illnesses. Environmental health issues, like air and water pollution, can result from poor landfill care. Drinking contaminated water over time may result in stomach problems, liver damage, cancer, and more.

Prevent Nuisance Animals

Unmanaged landfills are a draw for pests like rats, raccoons, and possums. These creatures often carry diseases and can spread them to humans. Frequent landfill maintenance means less opportunity for animals to nest, reproduce, or feed on the waste. This is essential because rodents can multiply quickly; brown rats can have up to 2,000 offspring in a year, according to Live Science.

Overall, landfill maintenance is vital to keeping the environment and nearby communities safe and healthy. Staying on top of its management helps reduce air and water pollution, unpleasant odors, and fire. That's why it's important to hire local professionals to handle waste management. Contact Bluffton Aeration today so we can continue to keep the environment safe with our expertise.