Press Release: Waste: Commission calls time on sub-standard landfills in the EU

16 July, 2009, marked the deadline for sub-standard landfills in the European Union to comply with EU rules. Member States have had eight years to ensure sites that existed before European legislation on landfills became applicable were brought into line or closed down altogether. The Commission has written to all Member States to remind them of their obligation and to gather data on compliance. Those found to be in breach of the legislation may face legal action. Sub-standard landfills are a hazard to public health and the environment. They have the potential to create air emissions and odours, pollute soil and water, and contaminate the groundwater. As of today, Member States were also required to reduce the amounts of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfills by half of 1995 levels.