Israel Buries 80% of Its Waste as Landfill Capacity Nears Its Limit

Israel sends about 80% of its waste to landfill, nearly twice the OECD average, and existing sites are expected to fill within a few years. University of Haifa professor Ofira Ayalon said roughly 40% of the refuse is organic material that produces methane and can leach heavy metals into groundwater when buried with other waste. Billions of shekels collected through landfill levies remain in the Cleanliness Fund. Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman is at odds with ministry professionals over a proposed Waste Authority as the country seeks alternatives to expanding landfill sites.