Why is waste compacted and covered with soil each day in a sanitary landfill?

In a sanitary landfill, waste is compacted and covered with soil daily as a critical component of solid-waste management to protect public health and the environment.

The primary reasons for this practice include:

• Odor Control: The soil layer acts as a barrier to prevent the release of unpleasant odors generated by decomposing refuse.12
• Litter Prevention: Covering the waste eliminates windblown debris and litter, keeping the site contained.12
• Pest Management: The daily cover helps mitigate issues with insects and rodents that might otherwise be attracted to the waste.2

Compaction itself is essential because it significantly reduces the volume of the municipal solid waste, allowing more material to be stored efficiently within a refuse cell. By maintaining these controlled operations, landfills minimize their impact on the surrounding area and prevent the spread of waste.123