An alternative daily cover, or ADC, differs from traditional soil cover mainly in the materials used and the way it conserves landfill space. Traditional daily cover requires about six inches of soil to be spread over the active working face of a landfill at the end of each day. This practice consumes large volumes of soil and reduces the total airspace available for waste disposal.
ADCs, on the other hand, use materials such as tarps, foams, shredded green waste, or processed debris that can provide the same level of protection with much less bulk. These materials serve the same purpose but are often easier to apply and remove. Because ADCs take up less space and can sometimes be reused, they help extend the landfill’s operating life and reduce the costs associated with hauling and handling soil. In essence,
