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28% of Europe's Landfills at Risk from Flooding

12/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Thousands of landfills in the UK and Europe are located in floodplains.
The Guardian and others found 28% of landfills lie in flood-prone areas across Europe.
Many landfills predate pollution-control regulations nationwide.
Toxic chemicals, including PFAS, have leached from sites amid rising illegal waste dumping.
Over 80% of the UK population lives near landfill sites.

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Story summary

Thousands of landfills in the UK and Europe are located in floodplains.
The Guardian and others found 28% of landfills lie in flood-prone areas across Europe.
Many landfills predate pollution-control regulations nationwide.
Toxic chemicals, including PFAS, have leached from sites amid rising illegal waste dumping.
Over 80% of the UK population lives near landfill sites.