Problem: One part of the growing concern for garbage and the environment involves the condition and use of landfills. As landfills reach capacity, the creation of new space involves protracted siting conflicts and complicated environmental requirements for the construction of new landfills. In addition, the older, less soundly constructed landfills may pose an environmental problem if left alone. Proposed Solution: Officials in Collier County, FL have begun to work with the old landfills. Excavation shows that much of the waste in older landfills is either recyclable or compostable. To conserve and reuse landfill spce, the site is excavated. Recyclable materials are recycled, and compostable material is saved to cover sites which have reached capacity. The remainder of the material is returned to the landfill after an environmentally sound lining has been built. The leftover space after the landfill has been reclaimed is then used to ease the current demand for landfill space. Evaluation: The "landfill reclamation" project is considered a success. The reuse of compostable material cuts the cost of the "new" landfill space, and the recyclables, particularly the aluminum, can be sold to help offset the costs. In addition, the eventual elimination of the unlined landfills will prevent future problems and costs associated with groundwater contamination. Contacts: Thomas A Donegan, Engineering Projects Manager, Building F, Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL, 33962. Citation: "Innovations in State and Local Government 1990." New York: The Ford Foundation, 1990. pp 10-11. Keywords: garbage recycling environment landfills