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There has been much recent interest in reclaiming real estate formerly occupied by municipal landfills in many jurisdictions. For years, closed landfill sites were used, if at all, primarily for passive recreation. Over the last 25 years, however, an increasing number of closed landfills have been used for a variety of industrial, commercial and residential purposes.
In many respects, closed landfills are classic brownfield opportunities, as they are often near good transportation and other public infrastructure. Despite often-attractive locations, however, closed landfill sites frequently are regarded as presenting too many environmental challenges to be successfully redeveloped. Experience shows otherwise, if legal and technical issues are properly addressed.
There are several legal and technical issues that must be addressed when redeveloping a former landfill site.