The diagram shows the life cycle of a modern landfill used for the disposal of household waste. There are three main stages in the life of a landfill; the construction, the use of, and the closure.
Firstly, a giant hole is dug in the earth above a bed of natural rock. Once the hole has been dug, it is then lined with a thick layer of clay, followed by a layer of synthetic material which helps to stop toxic waste substances from leaching into the surrounding earth. Drainage pipes and a drainage tank are also installed in order to remove the toxic waste liquids from the bottom of the landfill.
Once the landfill has been built, it is ready to be filled with household waste. During the usage stage of the landfill, waste liquids will sink to the bottom where they will be held in the drainage tank and removed via the drainage pipes in order to minimize a build-up of gas. Once the landfill is full, it is covered with a thick layer of clay. As the waste degrades over time, waste gases are emitted from the landfill.