Not so long ago, closed landfill sites were redeveloped, if at all, for recreation and park uses. “You can’t build a building on a closed landfill,” was the catchphrase of the day. As more commercial and institutional buildings were successfully constructed on closed landfill sites over the last 25 years, that phrase changed to, “You can’t build residential units on a closed landfill.” This perception also is changing.

Upscale apartment buildings and condominiums, townhouses and even single-family homes have been safely constructed on closed landfills. Closed landfills are often ideally located near major transportation routes and other infrastructure, and residential or mixed-use development of these sites can be the epitome of Smart Growth. However, there are several engineering challenges and various other factors that must be met to successfully develop a closed landfill for residential use. ...

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