Second lives for landfills: a perspective on parks, brightfields, and drone hubs

Landfills are often seen as endpoints in the waste management cycle, but they represent significant opportunities for reuse. In this Perspective, I explore three innovative post-closure applications for municipal solid waste landfills: recreational parks, renewable energy developments (‘brightfields’), and drone logistics hubs. Each option is supported by literature and by examples in the United States that highlight the potential of these engineered spaces to provide ongoing value. Challenges such as land settlement, structural stability, and public acceptance are acknowledged, but with appropriate planning and policy support, landfills can be repurposed in ways that align with sustainable urban development. Rather than treating landfills as dead ends, I argue for a proactive, multi-use vision that gives these spaces a productive second life.