Science & Technology · 8 Advanced · October 16, 2026

When Landfills Smell: Technology Meets Urban Planning

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Vocabulary

overwhelming /oʊˈvɜrwɛlmɪŋ/ adjective

very large in amount or intensity; difficult to deal with

The overwhelming odours from the landfill made it hard for residents to enjoy outdoor activities.

stench /stɛntʃ/ noun

a very strong and unpleasant smell

The stench from the industrial facilities could be detected from miles away.

technological remediation /ˌtɛknəˈlɑdʒɪkəl ˌrɛmədiˈeɪʃən/ noun phrase

using technology to fix or solve an environmental problem

The city invested in technological remediation by installing drones and automated monitors.

Article

Milpitas, California sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, yet residents face a persistent problem unrelated to technology companies: overwhelming odours from a 342-acre landfill and other industrial facilities. For decades, the stench has made daily life uncomfortable. One engineer living nearby reports enduring two to three hours of bad smells daily, though conditions have improved somewhat over recent years. This conflict between affluent suburban communities and odour-producing facilities reflects a broader global challenge as urban expansion brings neighbourhoods closer to waste sites historically located at a distance from residential areas.

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