An Alternative Daily Cover (ADC) refers to the use of materials other than soil as a protective daily cover for a landfill. Federal regulations require every active landfill to apply a daily cover to exposed waste at the end of each working day in order to protect public health, minimize environmental risks, and maintain overall site safety. Traditionally, six inches of soil have been used for this purpose. However, relying solely on soil consumes valuable landfill airspace, requires constant excavation, and increases the costs of transporting and handling heavy material. For these reasons, many landfill operators now look to alternative daily covers as a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally addressed this issue in 1993, when it issued guidance on the use of ADCs in landfills across the country. Since then, a wide range of materials have been evaluated and approved, many of which are referred to by different names such as landfill daily covers, rain covers, or cap covers. Regardless of the terminology, their purpose is the same: to cover exposed waste each day, limit the spread of litter, control odors, and prevent vermin, insects, and disease. While early alternatives included shredded paper or lightweight dirt, advances in technology have led to much more reliable and durable cover systems.
Regulations can vary by state. For example, California permits the use of a broad list of materials as ADCs, including foam products, geosynthetic fabrics and panels, processed green waste, sludge-derived materials, ash, treated auto shredder residue, foundry sand, contaminated sediment, compost, shredded tires, construction and demolition debris, and even spray-applied cement. While many of these are legally acceptable, not all are environmentally ideal, and landfill operators are increasingly encouraged to select sustainable, long-lasting options that reduce impact on surrounding ecosystems.
One of the most effective solutions available today is the use of a geomembrane cover made from reinforced polyethylene. These geosynthetic membranes (GSMs) offer a number of benefits compared to soil, shredded paper, or other temporary solutions. GSMs are especially strong and versatile, providing superior performance in areas such as:
- Controlling odor and dust
- Minimizing windblown litter
- Discouraging birds and wildlife
- Preventing rodents and pests
- Reducing fire risk and improving site safety
- Quickly shedding surface water after rain
- Enhancing the overall appearance of the landfill
In addition to these performance advantages, geosynthetic membranes are highly practical for landfill operations – including as landfill liners, which prevent leaching of toxins from below the landfill into the ground. Unlike soil or other bulk materials, GSMs can be reused multiple times, which offers significant cost savings for municipalities and private waste management companies. They also preserve valuable landfill capacity by avoiding the addition of uneconomic material, which extends the usable life of the landfill. Furthermore, because they do not compress or permanently seal layers of waste, GSMs allow gases to move freely through the landfill, improving the potential for capturing methane and converting it into usable energy.
Installation is another major advantage. GSMs are designed for ease of handling, excellent tear resistance, and strong durability, making them a reliable choice for operators who want both efficiency and long-term value. At Western Environmental Liner, we manufacture GSM covers with customizable features such as perimeter attachments, D-lines, grommets, and reinforced triangles. These allow operators to secure the covers with ropes, seatbelt webbing, or other tie-down methods – an important step we’ve emphasized since our earliest days as a tarp manufacturer. We understand that a cover is only as effective as its ability to stay in place, even under challenging weather conditions.
If you are exploring alternative daily cover options for your landfill, a geosynthetic membrane from Western Environmental Liner offers the durability, cost savings, and environmental protection that modern landfill operations demand.
Contact us today for a quote and learn how our solutions can help you improve both efficiency and compliance.
