What is the purpose of daily cover in a landfill?

• A. To cap the waste after it has been deposited each day, reducing odors and pests
• B. To collect gas and leachate
• C. To permanently seal the site
• D. To reduce the need for liners

Answer: (A)

Daily cover is used to cap the waste deposited during the day. By adding a layer of soil or other cover material over fresh waste, odors are reduced and exposed waste is less attractive to pests and scavengers. It also helps keep litter contained and reduces dust and minor fire risk at the active face. Gas and leachate collection require dedicated systems that operate on the waste mass, not the daily cover. Final sealing happens at site closure with a final cover, and liners are part of the initial design; daily cover does not replace these features.