POLYMERS AS SOLID-WASTE IN MUNICIPAL LANDFILLS

Synthetic polymers reach municipal landfills as components of products such as waste household paints, packaging films, storage containers, carpet fibers, and absorbent sanitary products. Some polymers in consu mer products that reach landfills are designed to photodegrade or biod egrade. This article examines the significance of degradable polymers in management of solid waste in municipal landfills. Most landfills ar e not designed to photodegrade or biodegrade solid waste. Landfill dis posal of stable polymers such as polyacrylics and polyethylenes is not associated with significant polymer degradation or mobility Stability to photodegradation and biodegradation is an advantage when municipal landfills are used for disposal of polymer products as solid waste. U se of landfill disposal can be a responsible means to manage polymer w aste and can be part of an overall waste management plan which include s source reduction, recycling, reuse, composting, and waste-to-energy incineration.