Landfill operators not only have to provide reassurance of minimal impact on local communities during a site's productive life, but for many years after it is full. Restoration Filled landfills offer opportunities for landscaping and development of public open space in areas of former industrial or mining dereliction. Restoration is now a key part of landfill management, since it returns sites to recreational or agricultural use. Thousands of trees are often planted on the perimeter of a large modern site. The pollution risks associated with large bodies of waste do not disappear simply because a site is full.
Legislation provides for the original operator to be held liable if a closed site develops problems.
Responsible waste companies recognise that liabilities extend many decades after site closure. Large blue chip operators in the waste sector are now making increasing balance sheet reserves for future liability provision over 30 or 40 years. This may take the form of a long term financial guarantee. In some cases, a utility company parent for a waste operator provides the necessary surety that the operator is financially secure enough to face its liabilities, and will still be in existence decades after site closure. Landfill - suitability for your company's waste The Environmental Protection Agency imposes penalties on waste producers if they fail to choose a competent waste management company.