Landfills are a proven technology and the predominant disposal solution in North America. From selecting new or expanding existing landfill locations to capping landfills that have been filled to capacity, every effort is made to ensure that our sites operate with integrity as well as the safety of the surrounding ecosystems.

With the largest network of landfills in the industry, Waste Management is Canada's leader in landfill design, construction and operation. Waste Management employs advanced technology, including advanced liners, leachate collection systems, groundwater monitoring and gas control equipment, all of which ensure environmental integrity.

Modern landfills are designed and approved by regulators using containment systems for liquids and gases that are generated inside the landfill. Liquid containment is accomplished by using multiple layers of natural clays and durable synthetic plastics in a proven quality control construction process.

Landfill liners and monitoring systems safeguard ground water resources for now and successive generations and supported by monitoring wells to enhance environmental protection at landfills. Samples are collected routinely at permit-specified time intervals, analyzed and evaluated and the results reported to government agencies. This process allows for potential environmental concerns to be identified early and corrected if necessary in accordance with regulations and sound environmental approaches.

Landfill gases are prevented from escaping to the atmosphere by a natural clay cover over the entire landfill and gas management systems involving the use of monitoring probes to enhance environmental protection at a landfill. Gas extraction wells are used to collect gas that is generated as the waste decomposes. Where once methane gas was viewed a problem, we're now a leader in the development of energy from waste as a renewable green energy source. Waste Management's landfill energy from waste program is a vital and important part of Canada's drive to develop alternative energy sources and promote environmental sustainability.

Waste Management has stringent standards, policies and procedures to ensure that a high level of consistency and quality is built into each monitoring location.