Prügimägede

Prügimägede refers to landfills in Estonian. These are sites specifically designated for the disposal of waste materials. Historically, waste was often dumped in uncontrolled locations, but modern landfill management focuses on containing waste to prevent environmental pollution.

A typical prügimägi is engineered with specific layers to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment. This often includes a liner system at the base to prevent leachate, a liquid formed when rainwater filters through waste, from contaminating groundwater. Above the waste, daily cover layers of soil or other material are applied to reduce odors, prevent windblown litter, and deter pests. Once a landfill reaches its capacity, it is capped with a final impermeable layer and often vegetated, allowing it to be used for other purposes such as parks or recreational areas, though specific activities may be restricted due to the underlying waste.

The management of prügimägede is subject to environmental regulations aimed at reducing the volume of waste, promoting recycling and composting, and ensuring the safe disposal of residual waste. Modern waste management strategies increasingly emphasize waste reduction and diversion from landfills through various methods, aiming to minimize the need for new prügimägede and mitigate the long-term environmental consequences of waste disposal.