Prügimägi

Prügimägi, meaning "garbage mountain" in Estonian, refers to a landfill site. These sites are used for the disposal of waste materials that cannot be recycled or composted. Historically, many such sites were unregulated dumps, leading to environmental contamination. Modern landfills are engineered facilities designed to minimize the impact of waste on the environment and human health.

Key features of modern landfills include liners made of clay or synthetic materials to prevent leachate, a toxic liquid produced as waste decomposes, from contaminating soil and groundwater. Leachate collection systems are also installed to capture and treat this liquid. Gas vents are typically included to allow the escape of methane, a byproduct of anaerobic decomposition, which can be captured and used as an energy source.

The location of a prügimägi is carefully chosen to avoid sensitive ecological areas and residential zones. Strict regulations govern the operation of landfills, including the types of waste accepted and the methods of compaction and covering. Despite these measures, landfills remain a subject of environmental concern due to the long-term decomposition processes and the potential for residual emissions. Public perception often associates the term prügimägi with the negative environmental consequences of waste disposal, emphasizing the importance of waste reduction and recycling efforts.