Government is encouraging developers to reclaim contaminated land with a target that 60% of domestic construction occurs on brownfield sites and the introduction of regional land contamination registers and compliance notices. Article looks at the range of remediation techniques available and asks why traditional methods such as 'dig and dump' are still preferred to innovative techniques incorporating biological, chemical or physical processes. Examines the issue of risk with contaminated land treatment and highlights a CIRIA project which aims to make the lessons learned from current commerical practices available to the industry. The findings of CIRIA's study have been used to create guidance on the selection and application of biological techniques on contaminated sites. For further information on CIRIA's work on contaminated land call +44 (0) 20 7222 8891 or email: [email protected]. Table.