By Joshuanette Francis
The first time I saw smoke rising from the landfill, I assumed it was just another surface fire—a common enough occurrence in waste disposal sites. But as I approached, I realized something far more concerning. The smoke wasn’t coming from the top of a pile of garbage. It was seeping out from deep underground, curling through cracks in the earth. The fire wasn’t above ground; it was burning beneath my feet.
That experience led me to investigate the cause of underground landfill fires, and what I discovered was both alarming and educational. These hidden infernos are not just accidental blazes. They are slow-burning, persistent, and often nearly impossible to extinguish without drastic intervention. The root cause? Poor waste management and the lack of proper separation of waste materials.
Unlike surface fires, which often result from careless waste burning or flammable materials igniting under the sun, underground fires are typically fueled by decomposing organic waste, methane gas buildup, and the heat generated within a landfill. Here’s how it happens: Organic Waste Breakdown: When food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials are buried in a landfill, they begin to decompose. This decomposition process produces methane, a highly flammable gas. Methane Buildup: Over time, methane accumulates in pockets within the landfill. Without proper ventilation, these pockets can grow large and pressurized. Heat Generation and Ignition: The breakdown of waste also generates heat. When combined with the presence of oxygen and a spark—often from discarded batteries, electronic waste, or even spontaneous combustion—methane pockets can ignite, leading to underground fires. Persistent Burning: Because landfills are filled with compacted waste, once a fire starts, it can smolder for weeks, months, or even years. These fires are difficult to detect and nearly impossible to put out completely without excavating large portions of the landfill.
Landfill fires, especially those that burn underground, pose significant risks to both the environment and human health: Toxic Smoke and Air Pollution: Burning waste releases harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, dioxins, and heavy metals into the air. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and long-term health effects. Soil and Water Contamination: As the fire spreads, it can breach landfill liners, allowing hazardous chemicals to seep into the ground and contaminate nearby water sources. Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Landfills already contribute to climate change due to methane emissions. Fires accelerate this process, releasing even more harmful gases into the atmosphere.
While landfill fires may seem like an inevitable consequence of waste accumulation, they are largely preventable with better waste management practices. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of these fires is through waste separation—a simple yet powerful step that can make landfills safer and more sustainable. Separating Organic WasteInstead of sending food scraps and yard waste to landfills, composting is a safer alternative. Proper composting reduces methane production and repurposes organic waste into valuable fertilizer for plants and agriculture. Proper Disposal of Flammable and Hazardous Materials Items such as batteries, paint cans, chemicals, and electronic waste should never be tossed into regular trash. These materials contain substances that can ignite or explode under the right conditions. Many communities offer designated drop-off locations for hazardous waste disposal. Recycling Plastics, Glass, and Metals Non-biodegradable materials should be recycled rather than dumped in landfills. Recycling reduces the amount of waste in landfills, minimizes the risk of flammable material accumulation, and helps create a more circular economy.
My experience witnessing an underground fire firsthand was eye-opening. The eerie sight of smoke rising from deep below was a stark reminder that our waste doesn’t just disappear—it continues to impact the environment long after we discard it. We all have a role to play in preventing these fires. By separating our waste, recycling properly, and supporting sustainable waste management policies, we can reduce the risk of landfill fires and protect both our health and the planet. The next time you throw something away, think about where it’s going. A small change in how we dispose of waste can make a big difference in preventing the next hidden inferno.
Thoughts and views expressed in guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Newsco Observer, its management or staff.
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