landfill

American  

[land-fil] / ˈlændˌfɪl /

noun

1. a low area of land that is built up from deposits of solid refuse in layers covered by soil.

2. the solid refuse itself.

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verb (used without object)

1. to create more usable land by this means.

verb (used with object)

1. to make (an area of land) by means of a landfill.

2. to use in a landfill.

   to landfill millions of tons of garbage each year.

landfill British  

/ ˈlændˌfɪl /

noun

1. 1. disposal of waste material by burying it under layers of earth

   2. ( as modifier )

      landfill sites

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landfill Scientific  

/ lănd′fĭl′ /

1. A disposal site where solid waste, such as paper, glass, and metal, is buried between layers of dirt and other materials in such a way as to reduce contamination of the surrounding land. Modern landfills are often lined with layers of absorbent material and sheets of plastic to keep pollutants from leaking into the soil and water.

2. Also called sanitary landfill

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Etymology

Origin of landfill

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; land + fill

Example Sentences

The authority enlisted AMP to build and operate an automated facility that will take in unsorted garbage and reduce the volume of trash headed to the landfill by half by removing recyclables and organic matter.

From The Wall Street Journal

Around seven million Christmas trees in the UK end up in landfill each year, according to industry estimates.

From BBC

The fee worked, keeping hazardous screens out of landfills and building better systems for proper disposal.

From Los Angeles Times

Sereen Banna said the partners of Downtown LA Law Group called her “Erin Brockovich” for her work helping hundreds sue over noxious fumes spewing out of a landfill in northern Los Angeles County.

From Los Angeles Times

Damaged or discarded panels often end up in landfills or with unauthorised recyclers, where unsafe methods can release toxic materials.

From BBC

Related Words

• depot
• junkyard