Waste materials can be converted into useful products, however, there will be circumstances where disposal to landfill will continue. If managed improperly, waste can pollute the land, air and water. Leachate may cause serious water pollution if not properly managed. Air Pollution Landfills generally produce methane and carbon dioxide that, if not contained, can contribute to the 'greenhouse effect'. Unmanaged emissions also represent a lost energy or fuel source.
Landfill gas can also contain a variety of corrosive, toxic or odorous components.
Dust and gas emissions can give rise to nuisance and health problems. Land Management and Conservation Land is a valuable resource and proper care of a landfill should allow efficient remediation so that the land can be used for other purposes following closure. Minimising the amount of waste generated and recycling are accepted strategies for dealing with these problems. The key agency responsible for pollution prevention and waste reduction is the Environment Protection Agency, a Division of the Department for Environment and Heritage . This Division is responsible for administering the Environment Protection Act 1993.