Which method is often used to mitigate the environmental impact of landfilling putrescible waste?

Composting is recognized as a method that effectively mitigates the environmental impact of landfilling putrescible waste, which is organic material that can decompose, such as food scraps and yard waste. By composting, this biodegradable material is transformed into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, which not only reduces the volume of waste destined for landfills but also diminishes greenhouse gas emissions that arise from the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in landfills. This process enhances soil health and provides an eco-friendly alternative to waste disposal, promoting sustainability and reducing the burden on landfill sites.

In contrast to composting, incineration involves burning waste, which can lead to air pollution and requires specialized facilities to manage emissions effectively. Landfill mining aims to excavate previously buried waste for recovery, but it does not inherently address the ongoing issues related to fresh putrescible waste. Dumping in open areas poses severe environmental risks, including soil and water contamination, and is not a sustainable waste management practice. Thus, composting stands out as an effective strategy for dealing with putrescible waste while minimizing adverse environmental impacts.