Abstract
M.Sc.
Waste management, a problem with most countries, is often aggravated by population growth and
the consequent need for increased productivity and consumption. The most common method of
waste disposal, in the world today, is by dumping at landfill dumps. The dump site must be
carefully chosen, designed and managed.
Pretoria North is currently in need of a new landfill. The old one is not only nearing exhaustion,
but has also induced increasing public protest lately. Indeed, plans are well- advanced to close and
rehabilitate the old dump site.
The selection of a landfill site is the first of five levels of waste management through dumping.
This study focuses on the elimination of unsuitable areas and the identification of candidate landfill
sites using the criteria prescribed by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. These criteria
were mapped and overlaid using a Geographic Information System (GIS). The sites with
inherent flaws were thus eliminated and the most suitable locations identified.