The development of modern landfills continued in the 20th century with the introduction of new technologies and regulations. In the United States, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 set standards for the design and operation of landfills, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has since developed additional regulations and guidance for landfills.
Today, modern landfills are designed to minimize the impact on the environment and public health. They are lined with impermeable materials to prevent the contamination of groundwater, and they are equipped with systems to collect and treat landfill gas. Landfills also play a role in waste management by converting organic waste into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity or heat.