dumpsites

A dumpsite is a location where waste is deposited or discarded. The term is often used to describe sites with minimal or no engineering controls, in contrast to engineered sanitary landfills that use liners, leachate collection systems, and gas management. Dumpsites can be informal or formal, legal or illegal, and may handle municipal solid waste, construction debris, industrial waste, and, in some cases, hazardous materials requiring special handling.

There are various types of dumpsites. Open or uncontrolled dumps are typically unregulated and lack containment, increasing the risk of soil and groundwater contamination, methane and other gas emissions, odors, and attraction of pests. Controlled dumps may have some management practices but still operate with limited engineering. Engineered or sanitary landfills incorporate lining, leachate collection and treatment, gas collection, daily cover, and monitoring to minimize environmental impact.

Environmental and health concerns associated with dumpsites include leachate contamination of water resources, air pollution from volatile compounds and burning waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and health risks for nearby residents and workers, including informal recyclers. Social and economic aspects feature waste collection challenges, informal recycling economies, and environmental justice issues when dumpsites are located near low-income communities.

Management and regulatory approaches emphasize site selection, licensing, waste collection systems, and post-closure care. Modern practices focus on reducing waste generation, increasing recycling, improving landfill design, capturing methane, and rehabilitating former dumpsites. Notable examples include large, historic dumpsites such as Dandora in Nairobi and Bantar Gebang in Jakarta.