Refuse Mixing

• Refuse mixing is a problem in landfills.garbage image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Despite measurable gains in the amount of trash sorted and recycled, the bulk of America's garbage enters the waste stream unsorted. For example, recyclable materials and hazardous wastes enter the waste stream mixed with household garbage. In the case of recyclable materials, this represents a waste of resources and landfill space. Hazardous waste in landfills present a serious threat to the environment and public health.
  
  

Environmental Contamination

• Modern landfills are designed to reduce environmental impact.birds at a landfill site in Extremadura/Spain image by Lars Lachmann from Fotolia.com
  
  Landfills receive the majority of waste disposed of in the United States. Modern landfill designs feature safety measures to prevent leaks and reduce negative impact on the environment. However, even with preventative measures, soil and groundwater contamination does occur.
  
  

Public Opposition

• Most Americans don't want a landfill near their home.garbage image by Einar Bog from Fotolia.com
  
  As environmental concerns have grown over the impact of waste disposal on the environment, public opposition to landfills has increased. Despite economic incentives offered by landfill operators, public opposition remains fierce and courts have upheld community challenges to proposed landfill locations.