A municipal solid waste landfill (MSWLF) is a discrete area of land or excavation that receives household waste. A MSWLF may also receive other types of nonhazardous wastes, such as commercial solid waste, nonhazardous sludge, conditionally exempt small quantity generator waste, and industrial nonhazardous solid waste. In 2009, there were approximately 1,908 MSWLFs in the continental United States all managed by the states where they are located.

Non-hazardous solid waste is regulated under Subtitle D of RCRA. States play a lead role in ensuring the federal criteria for operating municipal solid waste and industrial waste landfills regulations are met, and they may set more stringent requirements. In absence of an approved state program, the federal requirements must be met by waste facilities which include the following criteria: 

Location restrictions—ensure that landfills are built in suitable geological areas away from faults, wetlands, flood plains or other restricted areas. Composite liners requirements—include a flexible membrane (i.e., geo-membrane) overlaying two feet of compacted clay soil lining the bottom and sides of the landfill. They are used to protect groundwater and the underlying soil from leachate releases. Leachate collection and removal systems—sit on top of the composite liner and removes leachate from the landfill for treatment and disposal. Operating practices—include compacting and covering waste frequently with several inches of soil.
These practices help reduce odor, control litter, insects, and rodents, and protect public health   The image shows a cross-section of a municipal solid waste landfill.  Groundwater monitoring requirements—requires testing groundwater wells to determine whether waste materials have escaped from the landfill. Closure and post-closure care requirements—include covering landfills and providing long-term care of closed landfills. Corrective action provisions—control and clean up landfill releases and achieves groundwater protection standards. Financial assurance—provides funding for environmental protection during and after landfill closure (i.e., closure and post-closure care).

Landfills are owned and operated by companies like Waste Management to serve the nation’s communities and businesses, providing a safe area for non-hazardous solid waste to be properly deposited. The focus for each trash dump is to create minimal impact on the surrounding areas. They accomplish this by utilizing advanced technologies and materials to create efficient and sustainable facilities that feature:

Liners made of clay and plastic Drainage systems Ground water monitoring systems Leachate collection & management systems Landfill covering options Landfill gas management systems