The solid waste of closed dump site contains various complex characteristics. Different wastes have different decomposition rates, different compact potential and different settlement rates. Differential waste settlement is a major geotechnical problem characteristic of all waste dumps. Buildings and other structures constructed on dump site have large settlements causing damage. The settlement of solid waste is ongoing process and variation in characteristics is attributed to a combination of factors including dump fill age, waste nature, moisture availability, depth of fills and compaction. In past the places for waste deposition in Lucknow were chosen based on convenience and existing characteristics such as low lying areas or just nearby open space in most haphazard and uncontrolled manner. The seven closed dump sites covering the various areas of Lucknow city under this study that characterize the geotechnical properties of dump site are no exceptions. The samples were collected from seven trial pits at depths of 1m; 1.5m and 2m for each selected dump site were used for investigation. The soil samples collected were subjected to specific gravity, natural moisture content, particle size analysis, consistency limits, compaction, permeability and direct shear tests. The results obtained were compared with the control samples taken from the adjoining area of selected dump site. The study recommends the solution to minimize the problem of waste settlement and design of the foundations of structures/civil works on this type of ground. Urbanization is the physical growth of urban areas as a result of global change. The facilities like education, healthcare system, employment avenues, civic facilities and social welfare are reasons attracting people to urban areas. As the land cost is increasing tremendously and decreasing availability of good construction site is building up pressure on the engineers to utilize even the poorest site either by providing special type of foundation or by improving ground in urban centers. In this context literature is reviewed for use of landfill site for housing. The site exploration for old dump site was carried out to assess subsoil characteristics. The objective was to evolve strategy for economical feasible ground improvement technique to obtain permissible bearing capacity of 150 kPa and settlement not more than 50 mm. The exploration of site was done by DCPT to find the bearing capacity. The site can be used for construction of low rise housing for rehabilitation of displaced persons under TP scheme within city area utilizing old landfill sites. The impact of leachate from decomposed solid waste at an open dumpsite on the vicinity soil shear strength and California bearing ratio (CBR) and suitability of such site for construction purpose. Soil samples were taken from three sections of an old solid waste dumpsite operated by the University of Ibadan, Ibadan for laboratory study. The properties determined were particle size, Atterberg limits, compaction test, and CBR and shear strength for two seasons. The CBR and cohesion c’ at the core areas of dumpsite were found to be higher than those of surrounding soils that were a little far from dump areas. This shows that buildings and roads can be erected upon unused dumpsite; the soil is structurally safe.