A refuse heap, also known as a garbage pile or dump, is a collection of waste materials that have been discarded or thrown away. There are several synonyms for the term refuse heap, each with varying degrees of specificity. A landfill is a type of refuse heap that is used for the disposal of large quantities of waste materials, while a compost pile is a specific type of refuse heap used for the purpose of creating fertilizer from organic waste. Other synonyms for refuse heap include rubbish heap, trash pile, and junkyard. Regardless of the terminology used, a refuse heap is a sign of the negative impact of human activity on the environment, and the need for better waste management practices.