Why can’t we continue landfilling?
Landfill is not a sustainable option for the disposal of waste. Landfill generates methane - one of the most potent greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. Methane is 20 times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide, with landfill generating up to 40% of the UK’s methane emissions.
The EU and UK government have set targets to reduce landfill, with financial penalties for local authorities failing to meet landfill diversion and recycling targets. Government has also applied a tax to landfill to encourage diversion of waste from landfill.
Landfill space across the UK is running out and therefore it is not a long-term solution for waste treatment.