What chemical reactions must occur in order for garbage in landfills to be broken down?

Question

Due tomorrow.Pleeez answer!

Answer 1

Exothermic reactions.

  First, plastic, glass, and metal are NOT decomposable.  

Disregarding those items

Food. As food is decomposed and broken down, heat is given off, allowing the reactions to continue. That is why often times there is visible steam coming off compost piles.  The landfill releases gas in the process of decomposition as well, which is mainly methane, a greenhouse gas.

Good luck!!!!

Answer 2

Its not so much chemical, but biochemical.  Microorganisms in the ground eat the organic portion of the garbage and produce methane.