A typical modern landfill is lined with a layer of clay and protective plastic to prevent the waste and leachate from leaking into the ground or ground water. The lined unit is then divided into disposal cells. Only one cell is open at a time to receive waste. After a day’s activity, the garbage is compacted and covered with a layer of soil to minimize odor, pests, and wind disturbances. A network of drains at the bottom of the landfill collects the leachate that flows through the decomposing waste. The leachate is sent to a leachate recovery facility to be treated. Methane gas, carbon dioxide, and other gases produced by the decomposing waste are monitored and collected to reduce their effects on air quality.