Landfills are bad for the environment because decomposing waste releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while leachate from the same waste can contaminate soil and groundwater. In NSW, methane from landfill makes up around 4% of the state's total annual greenhouse gas emissions, and 60-80% of local councils' direct and indirect emissions. About 40 landfills across the state have implemented gas capture infrastructure; more than 300 facilities still lack effective emissions management. Beyond the climate impact, landfills carry documented health risks for nearby residents and measurable effects on property values, both covered below.
Last updated: August 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Landfills have a substantial environmental toll, from greenhouse gas emissions to soil contamination.
- Living near landfills can lead to health issues and air pollution, while leachate poses risks of water contamination and heavy metals exposure.
- Sustainable waste management alternatives must be implemented, such as recycling, reuse, composting and reducing packaging for a more circular economy.
The Environmental Toll of Landfills
Landfills represent a significant source of environmental degradation, far beyond being just an eyesore. From greenhouse gas emissions to soil contamination, the consequences of environment landfills are far-reaching and hazardous. The sheer volume of waste deposited in landfills exacerbates these issues, making responsible site management by landfill operators essential. Landfills are a significant source of pollution and contribute to the decline of natural resources. As waste accumulates, it produces landfill gas, which can escape into the atmosphere and lead to serious environmental hazards.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Landfills contribute to climate change through methane. When biodegradable waste decomposes without oxygen, bacteria produce methane as a byproduct, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change. The scale is not abstract at a state level: methane from landfill makes up around 4% of NSW's total annual greenhouse gas emissions, and represents between 60% and 80% of local councils' direct and indirect emissions. Currently, around 40 landfills across NSW have implemented gas capture infrastructure; more than 300 facilities still lack effective emissions management. The state's Landfill Emissions Abatement Program targets that gap by focusing on the largest landfills that haven't yet installed abatement measures.
Methane's flammability also carries an explosion risk in poorly managed sites, which is one reason gas-capture infrastructure matters as much for safety as for climate.
Leachate Contamination
As waste decomposes in landfills, it produces a toxic liquid called leachate, which carries the potential to contaminate neighbouring soil and water sources. This contamination can have devastating consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Leachate contains a variety of harmful substances, including heavy metals and organic compounds, that can impact the quality of drinking water and the health of aquatic species. Contaminated soil and water can also harm plant life and disrupt the balance of natural ecosystems. The risk of leachate contamination shows the urgent need for alternatives to landfills that better protect our environment and communities.
Soil Degradation
Landfills are a contributing factor to soil degradation, thereby influencing the overall health of the environment in their vicinity. The accumulation of waste in landfills releases toxic substances, which can contaminate the soil and harm its fertility. Furthermore, soil degradation can lead to a decline in biodiversity and the loss of valuable ecosystems. The consequences of soil degradation extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the landfill, impacting the quality of life for people and wildlife alike. Recognising the risk landfills pose to soil health is the first step toward better waste management practices.
Health Hazards Associated with Landfills
Residents living near landfills are exposed to a variety of health hazards. These risks stem from air pollution, water contamination, and exposure to heavy metals, which can lead to a range of illnesses. This poses a serious concern for communities near landfill sites, as the negative health impacts can affect their well-being and quality of life. Communities situated closer to landfills face higher risks of health and environmental hazards. To safeguard the health of residents and protect the environment, it is important to implement waste management strategies that minimise the need for landfills and mitigate their impacts.
Air Pollution
Significant health risks for residents living nearby arise from air pollution caused by landfill operations and emissions. Studies in Italy found that hydrogen sulphide exposure near landfill sites was linked to lung cancer and other respiratory issues, with children the most affected group. A separate 2000 study reported on health issues linked to living closer to landfill sites, including specific cancers, birth defects, low birth weight, and asthma, largely attributed to gas emissions affecting respiratory health.
Water Contamination
Leachate from landfills can contaminate water sources, posing risks to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. When toxic substances from leachate enter water bodies, they can cause a decline in water quality and pose a hazard to the health of aquatic species. Leachate-contaminated water can also pose health risks for humans who come into contact with it, including the potential for disease transmission. This shows why proper landfill management matters, along with waste management alternatives that minimise the risk of water pollution from landfills.
Heavy Metals Exposure
Heavy metals released from landfills seriously threaten both human and wildlife populations. Once absorbed, these metals accumulate in the body's soft tissue, and some remain toxic even at low, trace-level concentrations. A 2018 study in Serbia found high concentrations of copper and lead in groundwater and mercury in soil near uncontrolled municipal landfills, with mercury assessed as a high ecological risk for the surrounding region. Children are the most affected group, since particles entering their systems in childhood may potentially result in long-term disability or premature death.
The Impact on Local Communities and Property Values
Landfills have a negative impact not only on the environment and public health, but their consequences also extend to local communities and property values. Odour and visual pollution from landfills can affect nearby residents' quality of life and disrupt the surrounding area's appeal. Properties located near landfills often experience a decrease in value, with those in closer proximity experiencing a more significant decrease. The negative impacts of landfills on local communities and property values highlight the importance of exploring waste management alternatives that can minimise these consequences.
Odour and Visual Pollution
The lives of nearby residents can be significantly affected by unpleasant odours and visual pollution emanating from landfills. These odours come from gases released as the buried waste breaks down. In addition to impacting the quality of life for residents, the pungent odours can draw in scavengers and pests, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. Visual pollution from landfills can also have detrimental effects on wildlife and the surrounding natural environment. The sight of waste and garbage can alter the habitat and behaviour of wildlife, leading to habitat destruction and a decline in biodiversity.
Lowered Property Values
Property values in areas surrounding a landfill can be measurably affected. A meta-analysis of hedonic pricing studies found that high-volume landfills (those taking 500 tons of waste per day or more) reduce adjacent residential property values by an average of 13.7%, an effect that fades by 5.9% per mile of added distance. Lower-volume landfills have a smaller impact, decreasing values by 2.7% on average. The analysis is by Richard Ready (2010), published in the Journal of Real Estate Research.
The effect isn't confined to the immediate boundary. The underlying contamination risk doesn't necessarily end when a landfill closes, either: landfills can keep releasing micro-pollutants linked to the organic compounds they contain, even after closure.
Waste Management Alternatives to Landfills
Adopting alternative waste management strategies is necessary to minimise landfills' environmental and health impacts, thereby reducing our reliance on them. By implementing waste management alternatives such as recycling and reuse, composting, and waste reduction strategies, we can lessen the amount of waste that is disposed of in landfills and conserve valuable resources. These alternatives help mitigate the negative effects of landfills and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Recycling and Reuse
The role of recycling and reusing materials is critical in lessening the quantity of waste materials directed to landfills. By collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be discarded, recycling helps to conserve resources and reduce pollution. Materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, metals, plastics, and electronic equipment can all be effectively recycled and reused. Recycling not only helps to divert waste from landfills but also reduces the need for new raw materials, which can help to decrease the environmental impact of resource extraction.
Composting
Another effective waste management alternative to reduce landfill solid waste is composting. The natural process of composting involves recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable soil amendment or mulch. This decreases the amount of waste sent to landfills and provides valuable nutrients for soil and plants. Composting can be done on a small scale at home or on a larger scale at dedicated facilities.
Waste Reduction Strategies
Waste reduction strategies are the most direct way to cut how much ends up in landfill in the first place. These strategies include reducing packaging, promoting a circular economy, and encouraging sustainable practices. Individuals can play a significant role in waste reduction by:
- Limiting the use of single-use and disposable products
- Using reusable items
- Reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering materials before they end up in landfill
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Summary
The impacts of landfills on our environment, health, and property values are significant and far-reaching. By adopting waste management alternatives such as recycling and reuse, composting, and waste reduction strategies, we can help reduce our reliance on landfills and mitigate their negative effects. Embracing sustainable practices is how we work toward a cleaner, healthier, and more resource-efficient future for ourselves and the generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are landfills harmful to the environment?
Landfills are harmful to the environment and human health mainly because decomposing waste releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, while leachate from the same waste can contaminate soil and water.
What are 3 disadvantages of landfills?
Landfills have many environmental drawbacks, including the release of hazardous chemicals and toxins that can pollute soil and water, emit greenhouse gases, attract bugs and rodents, and reduce the value of nearby properties.
What are the main environmental issues caused by landfills?
Landfills are a major source of environmental concern, producing emissions of greenhouse gases, contaminated leachate, and causing soil degradation.
What health hazards are associated with living near landfills?
Living near landfills can pose a serious health hazard, as residents are at risk of exposure to air pollution, water contamination, and heavy metals, which can result in various illnesses.
How can recycling and reusing materials help reduce landfill waste?
Recycling and reusing materials can help reduce landfill waste by diverting it from disposal and conserving natural resources.
