Why Is Open Dumping Harmful?

What is illegal open dumping?

Simply put, illegal dumping is defined as abandoning waste in places not authorised for waste dumping. This can be on public roads, green spaces or fields and by individuals or groups. It takes many forms, from neighbours throwing their weekly waste outside to large scale dumping of industrial waste in a forest area. It is extensively harmful, for both the environment and people.

Environmental impact

1. Soil contamination

Dumping material impacts the area around it. Over time, illegal dumping can contaminate soil with toxic materials like asbestos. This not only impacts the plant growth in the area but also has a long lasting impact on the fertility of the land.

• Water pollution

If waste is dumped near a river, it can release chemicals and toxins that affect the waterways. Moving water can carry dangerous chemicals to several areas quickly, leading to a large negative impact. Additionally, stagnant water such as lakes will be heavily impacted, hurting the wildlife and plants that use the water.

• Air pollution

Another consideration of waste dumping is open burning, where illegal waste is incinerated in order to dispose of it. The fumes created can pollute the air and can remain there for several days. In flat areas, a lack of sufficient wind means the air pollution cannot dissipate and has a long lasting impact.

• Land degradation

Illegal dumping can degrade the land, making it less hospitable for native plants and animals. This means it is harder to grow new plants following open dumping, reducing green areas.

Human impact

Everything that impacts the environment can also impact us. Soil, water and air pollution can lead to health complications from trouble breathing to long term illnesses such as typhoid. Illegal dumping can attract pests like rats and flies, which can spread diseases and infection. Drinking water contamination increases risks of cancer.

To Learn more about how we can properly dispose our waste, read our article pm “How we can properly dispose waste in our environment here https://tgedfoundation.org/story/7-small-changes-to-properly-dispose-waste-in-nigeria/

Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier world.

Written by Ira Kirve