Thousands of tonnes of toxic landfill liquid added to sewage and spread on English farms

The Guardian
The Guardian
4M ago
Over 750,000 tonnes of toxic landfill leachate are mixed with sewage in England each year, leading to significant chemical pollution in rivers and farmland. Many harmful substances, including carcinogenic 'forever chemicals', escape treatment processes, raising concerns about environmental and public health. The current system inadequately monitors and manages these toxic chemicals, resulting in a cycle of pollution that affects food safety and water quality.
Thousands of tonnes of toxic landfill liquid added to sewage and spread on English farms
A What happened
Over 750,000 tonnes of toxic landfill leachate are mixed with sewage in England each year, leading to significant chemical pollution in rivers and farmland. Many harmful substances, including carcinogenic 'forever chemicals', escape treatment processes, raising concerns about environmental and public health. The current system inadequately monitors and manages these toxic chemicals, resulting in a cycle of pollution that affects food safety and water quality.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Toxic Landfill Leachate: Leachate contains a mix of hazardous chemicals from landfill waste.

  • 2

    Inadequate Treatment Facilities: Sewage plants are not designed to handle chemical effluents effectively.

  • 3

    Environmental Impact: Pollution from leachate threatens waterways and agricultural safety.

  • 4

    Regulatory Challenges: Current regulations fail to adequately monitor and control toxic waste.

Takeaways

Urgent intervention is needed to address the environmental harm caused by landfill leachate in England.

Topics

Climate & Environment Sustainability Pollution Water & Oceans

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