Landfill: Closure Management
Understanding the full landfill lifecycle from operation to aftercare
Closing a landfill is not an endpoint, it is the beginning of a long and complex aftercare period that can last for decades. It requires careful planning, robust environmental control, and a clear understanding of technical, regulatory, and long-term land use considerations.
This two-day interactive course takes you through the complete lifecycle of a landfill, focusing on the closure process, permit surrender, and post-closure management. You’ll explore the practical, environmental, and strategic challenges involved in safely closing and potentially redeveloping landfill sites, using a structured, problem-solving approach grounded in real-world practice.
Designed to build both technical understanding and practical confidence, the course combines expert guidance with applied exercises and discussion, helping you approach landfill closure in a systematic and informed way.
Course Details
Format: Online
Duration: 16 hours
Entry requirements: None
About this course
Landfill closure is a critical stage in the lifecycle of waste infrastructure, requiring long-term thinking and careful management. Build the knowledge and confidence to support safe closure, effective aftercare, and sustainable land reuse.
Understand the landfill lifecycle
Develop a clear understanding of the full lifecycle of a landfill, including operational phases, closure, and long-term aftercare.
Closure and permit surrender processes
Learn the step-by-step process of planning and delivering landfill closure, including regulatory requirements and permit surrender considerations.
Environmental infrastructure and controls
Explore how landfill systems such as gas, leachate, and containment infrastructure perform during closure and post-closure phases.
Managing long-term risk and aftercare
Understand the ongoing environmental responsibilities associated with closed landfills and how to manage risks over decades of aftercare.
Overcoming closure challenges
Identify and address technical, environmental, and planning constraints that can impact closure and redevelopment opportunities.
Circular economy and land reuse
Examine the relationship between landfill closure, circular economy principles, sustainable development, and climate change objectives.
Practical, applied learning
Take part in a real-world-based exercise on landfill closure planning, supported by discussion and knowledge sharing with peers and experts.
Professional development
Receive a certificate of completion and contribute 16 hours towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This course is suitable for anyone involved in landfill operations, planning, regulation, or redevelopment.
It is particularly relevant for:
- Landfill operators and site managers
- Landfill owners and asset managers
- Environmental consultants and engineers
- Planners and developers involved in land reuse
- Regulators and local authority officers
- Professionals seeking to expand their understanding of landfill closure and aftercare
The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners, including those without an engineering background.
It is strongly recommended that learners complete the Landfill: Conceptual Site Models course prior to attending this training.
Course Structure
This course is made up of four virtual instructor-led training sessions.
Module 1 - Landfill timeline
- Conceptual Site Model (CSM) – refresher
- Landfill processes – Geotechnical
- Landfill processes – Hydrology
- Landfill processes – Gas
- Landfill infrastructure (Gas, Leachate, Monitoring)
Module 2 - Closure point
- Preparation for closure
- Landfill closure principles
- Historical and current monitoring data
- Evidence of landfill stabilisation
Modules 3 and 4 - Surrender planning
- Closure planning - partial and definite
- Closure report template
- Aftercare
- Permit surrender process
- Closure constraints
- Environmental risk assessment
- Site safety
- Historical and current compliance issues
- Environmental Permit conditions
- Overcoming barriers
Modules 5 - Closure plan
- Outline closure plan - Site X - part 1
- Review of closure plan
- Aftercare planning
- Outline closure plan - Site X - part 2
Module 6 - Re-use potential
- Site re-development options
- Landfills and sustainable development
- Site investigation
Module 7 and 8 - Re-use concerns
- Re-development limitations
- Re-development - risk assessment – Part 1
- Re-development - risk assessment – Part 2
- Re-development - monitoring
- Post closure site management
- Case studies
- Maximising economic return
Upcoming courses
View the timings for virtual sessions below.
- Session 1 - 17th November - 09:30-13:30
- Session 2 - 18th November - 09:30-13:30
- Session 3 - 24th November - 09:30-13:30
- Session 4 - 25th November - 09:30-13:30
Book your place
Active CIWM members are eligible for a 20% discount on this course. Your discount will be applied automatically at checkout when you are logged in and book using your CIWM member details.
Select your preferred date and time from the options below.
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