The Umlazi landfill site was the first hazardous waste landfill in South Africa to be closed and rehabilitated in accordance with the Minimum Requirements (DWAF, 1998). It was also the first hazardous waste landfill to be rehabilitated with the active involvement of a community based environmental monitoring committee. It provided an opportunity to try new ideas and the opportunity to learn lessons in an ever-changing field. The success of the project is the result of a combined effort from the local community, the authorities and the client to reconcile conflicting expectations and demands.
 
The phased approach to the closure of the site was key to its success. It allowed the client time to generate income from the site to fund the work while at the same time it afforded Jones & Wagener the opportunity to install systems and monitor their performance before commencing the subsequent phases. It also allowed the opportunity to try new and innovative designs as well as alternative construction methods, which, on other fast track projects, might not have been possible. These contributed to the involvement of the community and the ultimate success of the project.

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