The Environmental Protection Agency provides guidelines to ensure that daily cover materials effectively protect the environment and public health. The rules require that all exposed waste be covered at the end of each working day to control odors, prevent litter, limit pests, and reduce fire hazards.
The EPA allows materials other than soil to be used if they meet performance standards demonstrating that they provide equivalent protection. Landfill operators must document the type of cover used, the method of application, and the frequency of placement. The guidelines also emphasize that materials should not create new environmental problems, such as leaching harmful chemicals or interfering with landfill gas and leachate management systems.
