Morton Barlaz: Studying Landfills for 42 Years

While in graduate school in the early 1980s, Dr. Morton Barlaz was offered a project studying how municipal waste decomposes. He wasn’t sure it was what he wanted to do, but it sounded interesting so he said yes. Forty-two years later, he’s a leading expert on how landfills work and why their management matters. In this episode, he explains what happens to the things we throw away, what biodegrades (and what doesn’t), and how landfills have changed over time.

“Landfills are a piece of our public infrastructure, just like wastewater treatment.” 

Hear Dr. Barlaz talk about:

• What it’s like to study landfills for over 40 years
• Why he doesn't like calling landfills "dumps"
• How methane is created and why collecting it matters
• The myths around what does or doesn't biodegrade
• The realities of post-closure landfill maintenance

 References for this episode:

• Dr. Morton Barlaz, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus, NC State University
• EPA landfill regulations on post-closure care
• How to compost at home (and help reduce methane emissions)

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