What is one of the main concerns associated with the operation of a landfill?

One of the main concerns associated with the operation of a landfill is greenhouse gas emissions. Landfills are significant sources of methane and carbon dioxide, which are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. As organic waste decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills, methane is produced, and this gas is far more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a short timeframe. The management of these emissions is critical to reducing their environmental impact, which is why large-scale landfill operations often install gas collection systems to capture and utilize methane as a renewable energy source or to mitigate its release into the atmosphere. This aspect highlights the importance of understanding and addressing landfill contributions to global warming in the context of environmental health and sustainability.