If you are a teacher find out about Teacher Resources and Tools. Contact your county recycling coordinator for additional information about recycling programs. See the Financial Assurance Mechanisms for Corporate Owners and Operators of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Facilities web page for more information. Yes, old landfills can safely be converted to other uses, with proper precautions. EPA and the State agencies have developed landfill regulations to protect the environment.
Landfills have the potential to pollute our surface and groundwater resources.
The regulations safeguard against this type of contamination by requiring that landfill owners and operators comply with closure and post-closure care requirements. In addition, it's important to consider for what purpose of a former landfill site will be used. Sites intended for home construction or playgrounds need to be held to higher standards than sites developed for commercial or industrial development. Because the public is often concerned about landfill sites, EPA recommends that local decision-makers seek the advice and assistance of the state to address the safe use of former landfill sites. For more detail on the closure and post-closure requirements, please contact the appropriate State agency.