Landfill: meaning, definitions and examples

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landfill

 

[ ˈlændˌfɪl ]

Context #1 | Noun

waste disposal site

A landfill is a designated area where waste is disposed of by burying it under the ground. Landfills are commonly used for municipal solid waste disposal.

Synonyms

dump, garbage dump, rubbish tip.

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Word Description / Examples
landfill

This is a regulated and controlled site where waste materials are buried and managed by authorities. It is often a formal and technical term used in environmental and waste management contexts.

  • The city's landfill is nearly full, and they need to find a new site soon.
  • Landfills are designed to minimize the impact of waste on the environment.
dump

Informal term that can refer to a place where waste is thrown away carelessly or an unregulated disposal area. It can also have a negative connotation, implying disorganization or neglect.

  • He threw his old mattress in the dump on the outskirts of town.
  • That place looks like a dump; no one has cleaned it in years.
rubbish tip

Predominantly used in British English to refer to a site where waste and discarded items are taken. It might be used informally but does not necessarily carry a negative tone.

  • We took our old furniture to the rubbish tip at the weekend.
  • The community rubbish tip is managed by the local council.
garbage dump

Commonly used to refer to a place where everyday household waste is disposed of, often in both informal and negative tones. It can imply mess and a lack of proper waste management.

  • The garbage dump near the highway is causing a terrible smell in the area.
  • People often illegally throw their trash in the old garbage dump behind the factory.

Examples of usage

  • The city's landfill is almost at full capacity.
  • The landfill is properly managed to prevent environmental pollution.
Context #2 | Noun

area of land used for waste disposal

A landfill can also refer to the actual area of land where waste is disposed of. This area is usually divided into sections for different types of waste.

Synonyms

dumping ground, garbage disposal area, waste site.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
landfill

Commonly used in formal and technical contexts related to waste management. It refers to a site where waste is buried under the ground.

  • The city plans to open a new landfill to accommodate increasing waste.
dumping ground

Often used in a negative or critical context to describe an area where waste is carelessly discarded.

  • The riverbank has turned into an unauthorized dumping ground for local businesses.
waste site

A general term used in both formal and informal settings to refer to any location where waste materials are disposed of or managed.

  • The new regulations will affect how waste sites operate.
garbage disposal area

This phrase is typically used in residential or community contexts to describe a designated place for residents to dispose of their household garbage.

  • Residents should take their trash to the nearest garbage disposal area.

Examples of usage

  • The landfill expanded to accommodate the increasing amount of waste.
  • The landfill site was carefully selected to minimize impact on the environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "landfill" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aterro sanitário

🇮🇳 लैंडफिल

🇩🇪 Mülldeponie

🇮🇩 tempat pembuangan sampah

🇺🇦 сміттєзвалище

🇵🇱 składowisko odpadów

🇯🇵 埋立地

🇫🇷 décharge

🇪🇸 vertedero

🇹🇷 çöp sahası

🇰🇷 쓰레기 매립지

🇸🇦 مكب نفايات

🇨🇿 skládka

🇸🇰 skládka

🇨🇳 垃圾填埋场

🇸🇮 odlagališče odpadkov

🇮🇸 ruslahaugur

🇰🇿 қоқыс полигоны

🇬🇪 ნაგავსაყრელი

🇦🇿 zibilxana

🇲🇽 vertedero

Etymology

The concept of landfills dates back centuries, with early civilizations using methods of waste disposal such as open dumping or burning. Modern landfills began to emerge in the mid-20th century with more regulated and organized waste management practices. The environmental impact of landfills has led to advancements in technology and regulations to minimize pollution and promote recycling.

See also: inland, land, landform, landholder, landing, landline, landlocked, landlord, landmark, landmarks, landmass, Landowner, landowners, landscape, landscaper, landscaping, upland.