Landfilling is and will continue to be a major component of waste management. The portion of waste requiring incineration or land disposal can be significantly reduced by examining individual contributions to garbage and by promoting the wise use of resources. If estimates are correct, that would result in 223 million tons in 2000 and up to 262 million tons by 2010. The U.S. EPA estimates that half of all landfills operating today will be closed in the next few years either because they are full or are contaminating groundwater. While incineration of trash generates usable energy, it also may release toxins into the air and create ash that requires disposal in hazardous-waste landfills.
Emissions controls can eliminate much of the air pollution.
Packaging is one of the major sources of waste paper and plastics. According to EarthWorks Groups, it accounts for approximately one-third of all landfilled garbage. These batteries are commonly used in portable telephones, power tools, radios, and videotape recorders. These batteries pose little hazard in use, but are a danger in landfills. Several states now prohibit consumers from dumping these batteries into the normal trash.