Which material is often used for landfill covers, other than clay?

Landfill covers are crucial for preventing odors, controlling pests, and minimizing water infiltration. While clay is a traditional and widely used material for this purpose because of its impermeable properties, synthetic materials have increasingly become popular alternatives.

Synthetic materials can include geosynthetic clay liners, geomembranes, or other engineered polymers designed to provide excellent barrier properties. These materials are durable, resistant to environmental degradation, and can be tailored to fit various landfill conditions, allowing them to effectively contain waste and prevent leachate from contaminating the surrounding environment. Their ability to reduce permeation and resist moisture training makes them particularly useful in modern landfill management strategies.

Other options such as organic compost, metal sheets, and cement mixtures are not typically employed as primary cover materials. Organic compost, while beneficial for facilitating biological processes, may not provide the physical barrier required. Metal sheets can corrode and are not practical due to regulatory concerns and structural challenges. Cement mixtures may not have the softness or flexibility needed to adapt to the settling of waste and could potentially cause environmental issues. Thus, synthetic materials stand out as a versatile and effective solution in landfill cover systems.