An alternative daily cover is a material used at landfills to cover the day’s disposed waste instead of using the traditional six inches of soil. The purpose of the cover is to control odors, deter pests, reduce litter, and limit fire hazards by sealing off the fresh trash overnight. ADCs can be made from a variety of materials such as tarps, foams, compost, shredded tires, or processed construction debris.
These materials are approved by environmental regulators to make sure they perform as effectively as soil in containing waste and preventing pollution. Using ADCs can save valuable landfill space, reduce operational costs, and extend the life of the facility because less soil is needed. Some ADCs, like reusable tarps or spray-on foams, can be applied and removed quickly, making them efficient for daily use.
