Commercial sunflower oil was epoxidized, and epoxidized sunflower oil (ESO) was used as a thermal stabilizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Semirigid and plasticized formulations stabilized with ESO were realized. Three plasticizers were used: dioctyle phthalate (DOP), diisodecycle phthalate (DIDP), and diisononyle adipate (DINA). Leaching tests simulating real landfill conditions were performed. The two model leachates selected for laboratory leaching tests were solution of acetic acid and distilled water, respectively, corresponding to simulants for domestic waste leachates and rainfall on wastes deposited in bulk. The leaching tests were carried out at 25 and 50 degrees C during 15 days. The variation of the mass of the samples was followed as a function of time. On the other hand, the ageing of the PVC samples was investigated in a landfill soil for 6 months. The modifications of the structure of the polymer were followed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the variation of density and mechanical properties (tensile and shore D hardness) were considered. The results showed that both nature and content of plasticizer influence the migration of the PVC additives used. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 111: 525-531, 2009