European network for sustainable reuse of landfills
SUFALNET is an interregional cooperation project funded by INTERREG IIIC. This EU-programme helps Europe’s regions without joint borders to work together in networks of co-operation. By sharing knowledge and experience, these partnerships enable the regions involved to develop new solutions to economic, social and environmental challenges.
Activities of SUFALNET
Papers, showcases and presentations were prepared and discussed during seminars and sitevisits to be held at regular intervals. It resulted in a model strategy based on experiences in the several countries.
- June 2005, Mierlo, Netherlands, Start-up seminar
- October 2005, Vilnius, Lithuania,Seminar on examining closed landfills
- May 2006, Venice, Italy, Seminar on redeveloping closed landfills into recreational- and natural area
- October 2006, Asti, Italy, Seminar on taking aftercare measures at closed landfills
- May 2007, Poznan, Poland, Seminar on redeveloping closed landfills into industrial- and residential area
- November 2007, Brussels, Belgium, Final seminar and presentation of a model strategy on closed landfills
Background
Closed landfills take up a considerable amount of space in many European Member States. Many locations are situated near the edge of cities and villages. In terms of efficient space usage, closed landfills can provide alternative locations for companies, offices, golf courses, city parks or ski runs, for greenhouse farming or the cultivation of forests.
However, many closed landfills may also pose a risk to the environment. In order to protect the environment from the negative consequences of landfills, it is necessary to investigate the potential risks involved and to take special measures if needed.
Objectives
The overall objective of SUFALNET is to reduce environmental risks and to stimulate re-use of closed landfills through exchange and dissimination of policies, projects and instruments.
SUFALNET aims to identify and bring together expertise and best practice and promote joint development of policy programmes available in Europe on redevelopment and aftercare of landfills, so that closed landfills might finally be dealt with.
In this way EU Member States can combine forces te deal effectively with environmental risks posed by these former and closed landfills. It will also help them to find new uses for these landfills, thus increasing the efficient use of building space. The general public and stakeholders will be informed stakeholders in order to change the negative image of closed landfills. SUFALNET aims to get the issue of closed landfills at the European agenda by promoting their activities and results through available communication channels like newsletters, brochure and website.
Results
SUFALNET brought together all the knowledge and experiences acquired by the different Member States into one network. Furthermore, a model strategy based on experiences available across Europe has been produced by the partners and covers examination and investigations of landfills, aftercare and the redevelopment of closed landfills.