In rubbish dumps, such as on open ground outside a town, waste is dumped. These areas can pose risks to both the environment and those living nearby.
Rubbish is not limited to solid waste – it can also be liquid or gaseous. Liquid waste often contains chemicals like cleaning fluids or paints.
The largest rubbish dump in the world is in Mumbai
Mumbai, India, is home to the world’s largest rubbish dump. Situated on 134 hectares, it collects 9,000 metric tonnes of waste daily from 12.4 million citizens living within its boundaries.
Waste in this area is mainly left unsegregated, leading to some slum communities searching for recyclable materials. Unfortunately, the dumping ground is packed, and those living near it often suffer severe health issues.
The pungent smell of the rubbish dumps Adelaide site is so intense that residents must cover their faces with masks when entering or near it. Unfortunately, some slum dwellers have succumbed to respiratory problems caused by exposure to this toxic gas.
Some scavengers are forced to eat their trash, while others make a living selling garbage brought to the dump. Its lucrative business venture benefits member of the local slum community who typically belongs to Hindu caste systems.
But they must fight hard for their rights. Before making money from the rubbish dumps Adelaide site, they must pass through a lengthy process.
The local government and civic body, the BMC, have made ambitious plans to address this issue, but these have been mired in bureaucratic obstacles for years. As a result, it will take a slow, complex, and expensive process to transform how waste is managed in India’s largest metropolis.
The largest rubbish dump in Europe is in León
Leon, Spain, boasts the largest landfill in Europe – the size of 185 football fields and absorbs 600 truckloads of waste daily.
This site is considered a hazardous waste site and has caused environmental harm in the surrounding area. The methane gas produced from decomposing waste has been used for electricity production and fuel, but it also pollutes air and water supplies.
When visiting Leon, don’t miss the city’s cathedral and Basilica of San Isidoro. These iconic structures are renowned for their stunning stained glass windows.
Another major attraction of Leon is its diverse cuisine. You can sample traditional Spanish dishes such as cecina (cured beef meat), morcilla (blood sausage), bolillo (meat stuffed with pork intestines) and garlic soup.
Make the most of your stay in Leon by walking around the historic old town district known as “Barrio Humedo.” Here, you’ll find some of Leon’s largest concentration of bars where you can order an array of tapas dishes to accompany your drink.
You can explore some wine caves near Leon and enjoy delectable dishes with fresh ingredients and excellent wines from Tierras de Leon, Ribera de Duero or Vino del Bierzo. Some of these caves date back over 300 years!
The largest rubbish dump in Latin America is in Guatemala
Guatemala City hosts the largest dump site in Latin America, producing more than 3,000 tons of daily waste. Known as a basurero (sanitary landfill), it sits on a 16-hectare ravine that receives one-third of all country’s waste production.
About two to three thousand people, most of them Maya, make money by picking through the landfill for sale. They sift through rotting garbage to find wooden pieces and other valuable items to sell.
Workers at the dump are exposed to air pollution caused by burning trash and methane gas released during decomposition. This pollution increases the risk of asthma and other respiratory illnesses for those working there.
Water Charity has responded by launching the Filters for Life Program – Worldwide. This initiative uses Sawyer filter technology to eliminate viruses, bacteria, cysts and protozoa from contaminated water.
Water Charity is advocating the use of filters and providing educational services to the area surrounding the dump. Recently, they expanded their free school program to include a secondary school, preschool, and an academic centre specifically tailored for women and their children.
The largest rubbish dump in the world is in Mexico
Mexico City boasts the largest rubbish dump in Mexico, Nezahualcoyotl. Here, waste collected from Mexico City and its surrounding villages is piled high.
Recently, waste management in Mexico City has been a primary focus. Recycling centres and sorting stations have been built to replace informal trash pickers who sift through trash for recyclable materials. But, unfortunately, much of the city’s garbage remains unsorted – primarily organic material.
Despite these measures, only 15 per cent of the city’s garbage is recycled, compared to 60% in parts of Europe. Furthermore, Brazil produces between 1.1-1.2 million tonnes of electronic waste annually – ranking among the leading e-waste generators in Latin America.
Another waste issue is its potential contamination of water sources. For example, a ruptured pipe from Bordo Poniente, one of the world’s largest landfills, has polluted groundwater and an aquifer that supplies drinking water to the city’s sewage system.
