Why are landfills covered with dirt each day?

The practice of covering landfills with dirt each day serves multiple purposes, but one significant reason is to deter wildlife. When waste is exposed, it can attract various animals searching for food sources, including birds, rodents, and larger mammals. By covering the waste with dirt, access to food is limited, which helps reduce the presence of these animals and prevents them from scavenging in the landfill.

While reducing odors, preventing water attraction, and potentially expediting decomposition are also important considerations, the primary focus of daily cover is often to create a barrier against wildlife intrusion. Daily cover also helps manage odors and may slightly influence decomposition; however, the primary goal remains the protection of the landfill environment and surrounding areas from animal activity.