The picture illustrates the design and mechanism of a modern landfill designed for household use. Overall, the landfill consists of several layers, two drainage systems, and a closed self-degradation process of household waste which occurs underground.
Regarding the construction, a trapezoid artificial pit is excavated deep into the ground, above a natural rock layer. Subsequently, a thin layer of clay is applied to cover the pit, followed by a layer made from a synthetic substance containing a drainage tank and a system of pipes above.
As for operation, once the household waste has been disposed into the hole, it is then sealed with another layer of clay on the surface. Over time, the trash naturally decomposes into a mud-like form. Meanwhile, the leachate, a by-product of this process, percolates down to the drainage tank and is stored there, from where it transforms into gas and is exuded into the environment through the pipe system.