What is the purpose of cover soil in landfills during active operations?

Cover soil in landfills serves several important functions during active operations, particularly in managing waste and its impacts on the environment and surrounding communities. One of the primary purposes of using cover soil is to cover the waste materials, which helps to significantly reduce odors that can emanate from decomposing organic matter and other waste components. By maintaining a layer of cover soil over the waste, it minimizes the exposure of the waste materials to the air, thereby limiting the release of odorous compounds.

This practice also helps to control vectors, such as rodents and insects, which are attracted to exposed waste. By covering the waste, the site becomes less appealing to these pests, thus improving public health and safety around the landfill.

While cover soil does play a role in erosion control and can improve the aesthetics of the landfill site, its primary function during active operations is to mitigate odors and control vectors effectively. Enhancing decomposition is not the main goal of using cover soil, as that process is more related to the conditions within the waste itself rather than merely covering it.