Frequently Asked Questions About Landfills
What is the difference between a landfill and a dump?
An engineered landfill has liner systems, leachate collection, gas capture, and groundwater monitoring. A dump (or open dump) is an unlined site with minimal environmental controls. In Canada, most provinces have phased out open dumps for municipal waste, though some rural and northern communities still operate them.
How do I find a landfill near me?
Use our directory to browse by province or search for your municipality. Every listing includes the facility name, type, classification, location coordinates, and a Google Maps embed for directions.
Can I take household waste directly to a landfill?
Most municipal landfills accept residential waste directly — often for a fee based on weight or volume. Some facilities (like transfer stations) may require that waste be brought by a licensed hauler. Always call ahead to confirm hours, fees, and accepted materials before visiting.
What can I NOT take to a landfill?
Hazardous waste (paints, solvents, pesticides, chemicals), liquid waste, radioactive materials, untreated medical waste, explosives, and compressed gas cylinders are typically prohibited from municipal landfills. Most provinces require these items to be taken to designated hazardous waste facilities. Recycling depots, bottle depots, and electronics recyclers handle many items that should not go to landfills.
How long does a landfill last?
A typical municipal landfill has a design life of 30-50 years, after which it reaches capacity and closes. Post-closure monitoring continues for 25-30 years. Some landfills receive extensions or vertical expansions to extend service life. Urban landfills facing capacity constraints often implement waste diversion programmes to extend their remaining lifespan.
Do landfills contaminate groundwater?
Modern engineered landfills with properly maintained liner and leachate collection systems should not contaminate groundwater. However, older unlined dumps and landfills with failed liner systems can and do leach contaminants. Groundwater monitoring wells around landfills are tested regularly to detect any issues before they affect drinking water supplies.
What happens to a landfill after it closes?
Closed landfills are capped with a composite cover (clay, geomembrane, topsoil, and vegetation). The operator must monitor groundwater, maintain gas collection systems, and repair any cap settlement or erosion for 25-30 years after closure. After this post-closure period, the land may be repurposed — many former landfills have become parks, golf courses, or conservation areas.
How much waste does Canada send to landfills?
Canada generates approximately 25 million tonnes of non-hazardous solid waste annually, with roughly 70% going to landfills. Diversion rates (recycling and composting) vary significantly by province — from ~20% in some regions to over 50% in provinces with advanced EPR and organics programmes.
What is landfill gas and is it dangerous?
Landfill gas is produced by the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste and is roughly 50% methane and 50% CO₂. Methane is explosive at concentrations of 5-15% in air, so gas collection systems are critical for safety. Modern landfills capture this gas and either flare it or use it for energy. Without controls, landfill gas can migrate underground and accumulate in nearby structures.
Are landfills monitored after they close?
Yes. Canadian regulations require post-closure monitoring for 25-30 years. This includes groundwater testing, cap integrity inspections, gas monitoring, and leachate system maintenance. The operator (usually the municipality or a private company) is financially responsible for this monitoring through closure and post-closure care funds set aside during the operating life of the landfill.