Toxic Landfill Liquid Spread on Farms in England

Toxic Landfill Liquid Spread on Farms in England
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A new investigation has revealed that hundreds of thousands of tons of toxic liquid from landfills across England are being mixed with sewage and then spread on farms as fertilizer.

According to The Guardian, more than 750,000 tonnes of this toxic liquid, known as leachate, which contains a cocktail of hazardous “forever chemicals” like PFAS, PCBs, and dioxins, are being dispersed on farmlands where food is grown. The report, conducted in partnership with Watershed Investigations, found that this liquid receives only basic biological treatment, which is insufficient for removing these toxic chemicals.

Experts and an anonymous source from the Environment Agency describe the practice as a form of “laundering,” where the toxic liquid is diluted and dispersed rather than being properly treated. This system is perpetuated because it is the cheapest disposal option for landfill operators, while water companies profit by selling the resulting sludge to farmers. The process is described as being “out of control” and an “absurd series of events” that urgently needs intervention to prevent toxic chemicals from contaminating rivers, seas, and food.