We no longer directly operate any landfill sites in Devon. Disposal of some of Devon’s waste has instead been contracted to private site operators, primarily Viridor Ltd.
We retain a degree of responsibility for fifty-eight closed landfill sites which were either operated by us or relevant district council, which previously held responsibility for this activity before 1974.
The majority of the closed sites are small sites which have been restored to agricultural land and give no cause for concern. The more recently filled sites and those containing high levels of dustbin waste are closely monitored for landfill gas and a liquid known as leachate which may be collected and taken away for disposal or treated on site.
Private landfill sites
Many landfill operations are carried out by private companies. These are regulated by the Environment Agency who issue licences to all waste handling facilities and are responsible for ensuring the sites are operated correctly.