What Happens When You Bury a Trash Can? The Surprising Truth
Burying a trash can, while seemingly a quick fix, initiates a complex and often undesirable process. Over time, it leads to anaerobic decomposition, creating potent greenhouse gasses and potentially contaminating soil and groundwater.
Introduction: The Lure of the Lazy Landfill
The impulse to bury a trash can is understandable. Perhaps it’s a broken bin, a forgotten remnant of a renovation project, or simply a perceived solution to an overflowing waste problem on a remote property. But this seemingly simple act has far-reaching and largely negative consequences. It transforms the surrounding soil into a makeshift, unregulated landfill, with all the environmental risks that entails. The reality is that burying waste, even in relatively small quantities, bypasses established waste management systems designed to mitigate these risks.
The Anaerobic Decomposition Process
Unlike the controlled aerobic decomposition in a well-managed composting facility, a buried trash can undergoes anaerobic decomposition. This means that the waste breaks down in the absence of oxygen.
- Bacteria shift gears: Instead of using oxygen, anaerobic bacteria utilize other substances like sulfates and nitrates.
- Methane takes over: The process produces methane (a potent greenhouse gas, much more impactful than carbon dioxide), hydrogen sulfide (responsible for the rotten egg smell), and other undesirable byproducts.
- Decomposition is slow: Anaerobic decomposition is significantly slower than aerobic decomposition, meaning the trash remains largely intact for a very long time.
Environmental Consequences
The environmental impacts of burying a trash can are considerable. These include:
- Groundwater Contamination: Leachate, a toxic liquid formed as waste decomposes, can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. This leachate contains heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens.
- Soil Degradation: The chemicals released during decomposition alter the soil’s pH, nutrient content, and microbial activity, making it unsuitable for plant growth.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The methane and carbon dioxide released contribute to global warming.
- Odor Pollution: The hydrogen sulfide and other gases produce unpleasant odors that can affect nearby residents and wildlife.
The Role of Materials
What happens also depends heavily on what is buried. Organic materials, like food scraps, decompose relatively quickly (though still anaerobically). Plastics, on the other hand, can persist for hundreds or even thousands of years, slowly breaking down into microplastics that contaminate the environment.
Consider these decomposition times:
| Material | Estimated Decomposition Time |
|---|---|
| Food Scraps | Weeks to Months |
| Paper | Months to Years |
| Plastic Bottles | 450 Years |
| Glass Bottles | Undetermined (Extremely Long) |
| Aluminum Cans | 80-200 Years |
Legal Implications
Burying a trash can is illegal in many jurisdictions. Waste disposal is typically regulated at the state or local level, and unauthorized burial can result in fines and penalties. Laws are in place to protect the environment and public health from the negative impacts of improper waste disposal.
Alternatives to Burial
There are much better ways to dispose of unwanted trash cans or handle waste. Consider these options:
- Recycling: Check with your local waste management service to see if they accept broken trash cans for recycling.
- Upcycling: Repurpose the trash can into something else, such as a planter or storage container.
- Proper Disposal: Contact your local waste management service to arrange for proper disposal at a landfill or transfer station.
- Composting: For organic waste, start a compost bin or pile. This is a sustainable way to reduce waste and create valuable fertilizer for your garden.
FAQs: Deeper Insights into Buried Trash
What is Leachate, and why is it so harmful?
Leachate is a highly toxic liquid formed when water percolates through solid waste. It contains a cocktail of pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, organic compounds, and pathogens. If leachate contaminates groundwater, it can render drinking water unsafe and harm aquatic ecosystems. Remediation can be extremely costly.
Does the type of soil affect the rate of decomposition?
Yes, soil type significantly influences decomposition rates. Well-drained, sandy soils allow for better aeration (though still limited), promoting slightly faster (though still anaerobic) decomposition. Clay soils, which retain more moisture and are less permeable, slow decomposition and increase the risk of leachate buildup.
Will adding lime or other substances help speed up decomposition?
While lime can help neutralize acidic conditions in a compost pile, it won’t significantly accelerate anaerobic decomposition in a buried trash can. It may slightly reduce odors, but it won’t eliminate the environmental risks.
How long will it take for a buried plastic trash can to completely decompose?
Unfortunately, most plastics are not biodegradable. They break down into smaller pieces (microplastics) over hundreds or even thousands of years. A plastic trash can buried today could persist for generations, continuously releasing microplastics into the environment.
What are the long-term consequences for the surrounding ecosystem?
The long-term consequences include soil contamination, groundwater pollution, reduced biodiversity, and potential health risks for humans and animals. The damage can be extensive and difficult to reverse.
Is it ever acceptable to bury biodegradable items, like food scraps, in my backyard?
While burying small amounts of biodegradable material might seem harmless, it’s generally discouraged. Even biodegradable materials decompose anaerobically when buried, producing methane. Composting is a far more environmentally friendly option. Check local regulations regarding backyard burial.
What if I bury the trash can very deep? Will that solve the problem?
Burying deeper doesn’t solve the problem; it just postpones it and potentially makes remediation more difficult later. The decomposition process still occurs, and leachate can still migrate through the soil and contaminate groundwater.
Can burying a trash can affect nearby plant life?
Yes, the chemicals released during decomposition can inhibit plant growth and even kill nearby plants. The altered soil pH and nutrient content make it difficult for plants to thrive.
What are the signs that a buried trash can is causing environmental damage?
Signs can include discolored soil, unpleasant odors, stunted plant growth, and contaminated water sources. If you suspect contamination, have the soil and water tested by a qualified environmental professional.
What if the trash can contains mostly construction debris?
Construction debris, which often includes materials like concrete, wood, and drywall, presents unique challenges. Concrete can alter the soil’s pH, wood can attract pests, and drywall can release sulfates during decomposition, further exacerbating odor problems.
How can I remediate a site where a trash can was previously buried?
Remediation involves excavating the buried waste, treating the contaminated soil, and restoring the site to its original condition. This can be a costly and complex process, requiring the expertise of environmental professionals. It’s best to contact a remediation company.
What can I do to encourage responsible waste disposal in my community?
Educate yourself and others about the environmental impacts of improper waste disposal. Support local recycling programs and promote composting initiatives. Advocate for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent illegal dumping and burying of waste.