Workshop - Unlocking the black box:
Solutions for sustainable management of old landfills

SESSION F03 / 14 October 2025 / 09:00 - 10:30
Workshop - Unlocking the black box: solutions for sustainable management of old landfills
Chair / Presidente: Julia van der Heide (NL)

This engaging workshop is dedicated to exploring the complexities and challenges associated with (old) landfills through a case study from the Netherlands. With approximately 30,000 hectares of land occupied by these sites in the Netherlands, they form an interesting component in current spatial issues, such as energy transition, housing construction, and green spaces. Thereby, they also are a potential risk for pollution of soil and groundwater.
In this workshop, participants will delve into two compelling case studies that highlights the inherent uncertainties surrounding old landfills, often referred to as "black boxes". Participants from all knowledge fields and countries are encouraged to attend this workshop to delve into "out-of-the-box" ideas regarding the case studies which will be presented. The case studies although from the Netherlands, are not unique to the country. Problems mentioned in the case studies, e.g. leachate management or spatial issues, can also be found in other countries.

AGENDA
Introduction

• Julia van der Heide (NL)
  Short check in with the attendees in the workshop
   

Expert presentations

• Ferike Molema (NL)
  Context regarding the term old landfill in the Netherlands, EU countries vs. worldwide
  
  
• Ferike Molema (NL)
  Short oversight on the issue of (old) landfills including some facts & figures for the Netherlands
  
  
• Julia van der Heide (NL)
  Short introductory lecture into the two case studies:

• Case study 1: Possible leachate contamination of the surrounding by an old landfill
• Case study 2: Redevelopments at an old landfill site in the Netherlands
  
  

 Discussion

• Attendees discuss their ideas in smaller groups. Depending on the number of attendees the amount of groups can differ.
  Table Chairs: Ruurd van Wijhe, Sacha Raven (NL)
  
  

 Plenary discussion

• The results from the smaller groups will be discussed with all attendees to derive lessons learned
  Julia van der Heide, Ferike Molema (NL)
  
  

Q&A and Closing