However, a number of operating techniques are available to help mitigate these negative impacts. The easiest way to reduce the potential for releases that contaminate groundwater is to ensure that hazardous wastes are not accepted at the landfill. These training programs can help reduce negative environmental effects and employee exposure. Groundwater monitoring can help ensure early detection of releases of contaminants to the environment and, thus, prevent the generation of additional waste material. Applying a layer of soil over disposed waste at the end of the day can help limit rodent problems, minimize the potential for fires, reduce odors and airborne pathogens, and prevent blowing litter.
Cover materials can include earthen soil or alternative materials, such as foams or tarps.
Run-on controls, such as perimeter berms, swales, and canals, divert or redirect precipitation to a holding pond to reduce the quantity of liquid that must be treated as leachate. Non-chemical alternatives to dust suppression include keeping haul roads damp with water and reducing haul road speed limits. Limiting the transport of wastes within the landfill reduces the potential for blowing litter, as well as air emissions associated with vehicle use. Landfills may have an associated composting program to divert compostable materials from disposal. The resulting compost can be used in landscaping and other applications.