Which two methods can be used to reduce waste in landfills?

Recycling and composting are effective methods for reducing waste in landfills because they promote the recovery of materials and the decomposition of organic waste, respectively.

Recycling involves collecting materials like paper, plastic, metal, and glass, and processing them to create new products. This decreases the amount of raw materials needed for production and diverts significant quantities of waste from landfills. By recycling, communities can significantly lower the volume of waste that would otherwise accumulate, thus extending the lifespan of existing landfills and reducing the need for new ones.

Composting, on the other hand, is the process of recycling organic matter—such as food scraps and yard waste—into nutrient-rich soil. This not only keeps decomposable materials out of landfills, where they would contribute to methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas—but also enriches the soil, supporting local agriculture and gardening.

Through both processes, not only is the total amount of waste reduced, but they also promote environmental sustainability by conserving resources and minimizing the negative impacts associated with waste disposal in landfills.