Which of the following is a disadvantage of resource recovery (landfill) generation?

Resource recovery through landfill generation involves extracting energy from waste materials, which can be a part of waste management strategies. However, a significant disadvantage is the requirement of large volumes of solid waste. This is essential for the operation of landfill gas systems or waste-to-energy facilities because they need a continuous and stable supply of waste to be economically viable. If the volume of waste is insufficient, the facility may not generate enough energy to justify its operational costs and investment.

In regions with strong waste management practices or initiatives aimed at reducing landfill use, there may be insufficient waste available to meet the operational needs of these facilities, leading to inefficiency or even closure. Thus, while resource recovery can provide benefits, the dependency on high volumes of waste presents challenges that need to be managed effectively.

Other options, such as landfill relief and public support, are generally seen as advantages in the context of resource recovery as they highlight potential benefits. Efficient energy use, while a goal of these systems, may be hindered if large volumes of waste are not available, reinforcing why the need for substantial waste supply stands out as a disadvantage.