Available commercial materials and industrial waste products that could possibly be used as sanitary landfill sealants were tested in elemental test columns (with the use of synthesized garbage) that simulated field conditions. These materials were then applied to small field test pits filled with municipal garbage. The test pits were equipped with sampling wells, within and around each pit, to monitor any leachate which escaped from the cells. The analytical parameters (BOD, COD, and others) were compared with baseline data obtained from local area wells to determine the degree of effectiveness of the test materials. (Modified author abstract)