This paper reviews the applications for geosynthetics in waste containment. Consideration is given to geotextiles as filters and separators in otherwise conventional landfill design, the use of drainage mats as a replacement for conventional granular drainage layers, the use of geomembrane liners as a supplement to natural of compacted clay barriers, and finally to a fully ""geosynthetic design"" which incorportates geotextiles, geosynthetic drainage mats, geomembranes and geogrids (for reinforcement).