What is the primary goal of a landfill's design and operation?

The primary goal of a landfill's design and operation is to reduce the potential environmental impact. This involves carefully considering how waste is managed, stored, and contained to prevent pollution of surrounding air, water, and soil. Proper design includes elements like liners, leachate collection systems, and monitoring procedures that help mitigate negative effects on the environment.

The focus on minimizing environmental impact arises from the need to safeguard public health and the ecosystem, as landfills can produce greenhouse gases and leachate, which can harm both human populations and wildlife if not managed correctly. Good landfill practices prioritize sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring that waste disposal methods do not lead to significant adverse consequences.

While other factors, such as revenue generation and innovation in waste technologies, may be important, they are secondary to the overarching need to protect the environment when designing and operating a landfill. Minimizing public access is also not a primary goal; it's more about ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.