Ans. Characteristics of a modern landfill include

(i) Methods to contain leachates such as lining clay or plastic liners.
(ii) Compaction and covering of the waste to prevent it from being blown by the wind.
(iii) Installation of a landfill gas extraction system to extract the gas for use in the generation of power.

The use of modern landfill sites must be promoted due to the following reasons

(i) They stimulate waste prevention via recycling and recovery of waste.
(ii) They create a uniform cost for the disposal of waste which consequently will prevent the unnecessary transport of waste.
(iii) They prevent or reduce the negative effects on the environment, as well as the risks to human health arising from the landfilling of the waste.