Transportation and handling costs are generally lower when using daily cover materials compared to soil. Soil must be hauled from a stockpile or offsite location, often requiring multiple truckloads and significant fuel use. It also requires heavy machinery to spread and compact it over the waste, increasing labor and equipment wear.
Many alternative covers, such as synthetic liners, foams, or shredded materials, are lighter and easier to move, reducing the number of trips and the amount of fuel needed. Reusable materials like tarps or liners can be applied and removed multiple times, further lowering handling costs. Even loose organic or processed debris can be spread more efficiently than soil because compaction is not necessary.
