As of 2019, which site is the world’s largest landfill by area, for trash and waste?

The world’s population continues to grow and so does the accumulation of trash at landfills. Some sites are efficient, using advanced recycling and energy producing facilities. Others are unsanitary and represent serious environmental and human health hazards.

According to a ‘World Atlas’ 2019 report, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States is the largest landfill in the world by area, measuring 2,200 acres (890.3 hectares). On a daily basis the ‘Apex Regional Landfill’ receives approximately 9,000 tons (8,165 metric tonnes) of municipal solid waste with a capacity to handle up to 15,000 tons (13,608 metric tonnes).

Opened in 1993, the landfill is managed by ‘Republic Services’ with a projected life of 250 years according to the ‘Review Journal’. Methane gas from the landfill generates an 11-megawatt power plant meeting the energy needs of 10,000 households in Southern Nevada. Built at a cost of $35 million USD, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports this landfill’s gas accounts for 17.7 % of all the U.S. nation’s methane emissions.

Second in area is the ‘Bordo Poniente’, Mexico City, Mexico at 927 acres (379.2 hectares). In December 2011 it was closed. Listed by the ‘World Atlas’ as third largest by area is ‘Laogang’, Shanghai, China at 830-892 acres (335.9 - 361.0 hectares) in area.

‘Malagrotta Landfill’ in Rome, Italy hold the fourth largest landfill at 618 - 680 acres (250.1 - 275.2 hectares). At first it was an illegal dump but became legal in 1984.