A Visit to the Local Landfill
When you throw something “away,” where do you think it goes? Or do you even think about it once it makes its way into your trash bag?
I had the chance to visit the local landfill and ReSource Center here in Santa Barbara County last week — my second visit in two years — and I was just as mind blown as the first time.
Being there generated so many new questions and a huge amount of respect for the people who work there every day. Let’s just say… it’s aromatic.
Standing on top of what is essentially a mountain of trash is a very different experience than tossing something into your kitchen garbage can.
It makes one thing crystal clear: there is no such thing as “away.”
Things Most People Don’t Realize About Landfills
One thing that surprised me the first time I visited is that landfills can’t just keep growing forever. They’re designed to reach a maximum height. Once they hit that limit, they have to close. And when that happens, the community faces a new challenge: finding a place to put the next landfill.
Unsurprisingly, no one is eager to volunteer land near their home.
That’s why reducing what we send to landfills isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s also a community planning issue.
Another thing that shocked me: the way trash is layered.
At many landfills, trash is compacted into large sections and then covered with layers of dirt throughout the day to control odors, pests, and debris.
The section I saw was roughly:
7 feet of trash
3 layers of dirt
Over time, these layers stack into massive trash hills — we stood on top of trash from 1967! And while they’re engineered to manage waste safely, they still create real environmental challenges.
Why Landfills Are Hard on the Environment
Landfills are designed to contain waste, but they still produce environmental impacts.
Methane Emissions
When organic materials like food scraps and yard waste break down in a landfill, they decompose without oxygen (which means they aren’t going to compost like you might imagine). This process produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Many landfills capture some of this methane and turn it into energy, but not all of it.
Reducing organic waste in landfills is one of the most effective ways individuals can reduce negative climate impact — so let’s get composting!!
Groundwater Risk
Landfills also produce a liquid called leachate, (this was new to me) which forms when water filters through trash.
Modern landfills are lined and monitored to prevent contamination, but managing leachate is an ongoing process that requires careful treatment to protect surrounding groundwater.
Land Use
Landfills take up a lot of space. And once they’re full, the land can’t easily be used for other purposes for decades.
Ways You Can Help Keep Stuff Out of the Landfill
The good news? A surprising amount of what we throw away doesn’t actually need to go there.
Here are a few simple ways to reduce what ends up in the trash:
Reuse and Repurpose First
Before tossing something, ask yourself: Could someone else use this?
Items like furniture, home goods, tools, clothing, and even random household items often have a second life.
Which leads me to one of my favorite community resources that you’ve likely heard me mention before…
Buy Nothing Groups
If you’re not familiar with Buy Nothing groups, they are neighborhood-based communities where people give away items for free.
No selling. No bartering. Just neighbors helping neighbors keep useful items out of the landfill.
You’d be amazed what people are looking for — and what others are happy to pass along. Check out my social post highlighting some of the weird items I’ve re-homed on this platform!
Compost Your Food Scraps
As I already mentioned, food waste is one of the largest contributors to landfill methane emissions.
When food scraps are composted instead, they break down with oxygen and turn into nutrient-rich soil (your plants + gardens will thank you!)
If you have access to:
a backyard compost bin
a local compost drop-off
or a municipal compost program
…it’s one of the most impactful waste reductions you can make at home.
The Big Takeaway
Visiting a landfill is one of those experiences that permanently changes how you see waste.
Every single item in your trash bag still exists somewhere.
Reducing waste isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being a little more thoughtful about where things go next.
Because “away” is a place. And it fills up faster than we think.
With less waste and lots of love,
Ali