Guidance for landfills exempt from licensing

This guidance provides practical steps for safely operating small landfills that are exempt from licensing requirements. It covers how to:

• select sites
• design containment systems
• manage daily operations
• plan long-term closure and monitoring.

The guidance also outlines how to rehabilitate closed landfills, like using proper soil caps and vegetation to stabilise sites.

Updated to align with current regulations, this document replaces earlier versions and clarifies exemptions for landfills serving fewer than 500 people. By following these practices, operators can reduce environmental risks, comply with legal standards, and ensure communities remain protected from potential hazards.