Which type of landfill is known to potentially contaminate water supplies?

Onsite landfills, also known as private or backyard landfills, are often located close to where waste is generated. Unlike larger, properly managed landfills, onsite landfills may not have the same level of engineering controls to manage leachate—the liquid that drains or leaches from a landfill. This lack of proper containment and monitoring can lead to potential contamination of surrounding water supplies, especially if they are not lined and managed according to regulations.

Other types of landfills, like sanitary landfills, are typically designed with protective measures to prevent hazards associated with the waste, including features such as liners and leachate collection systems. Industrial landfills also have specific regulations aimed at handling hazardous industrial waste, and Class III landfills usually refer to those that accept non-hazardous waste but are still regulated to prevent environmental contamination. In contrast, onsite landfills may lack comprehensive management practices, making them more vulnerable to contaminating nearby water sources.