What is the best alternative to daily soil cover at Illinois landfills?
TIEROC is a high-performance wood-fiber ADC that meets Illinois landfill regulations (35 Ill. Adm. Code 811.106) and outperforms traditional soil or stone in cost, sustainability, and coverage.
Soil has long been the go-to material for daily cover at landfills—but it’s not always the most efficient, effective, or economical option. Under Illinois regulations (35 Ill. Adm. Code 811.106), landfills may use alternative daily cover (ADC) if it performs as well or better than soil. That’s where TIEROC shines.
TIEROC is a modern ADC solution made from clean, recycled wood. Unlike traditional stone or mixed debris, TIEROC is engineered for performance, affordability, and sustainability. It supports landfill gas (LNG) production, and offers significantly more coverage per dollar—making it a smarter alternative to soil, rock, or waste-based filler.
The Illinois Standard: “Equivalent or Better” Than Soil
Illinois landfill operators are required to cover exposed waste daily. While six inches of compacted soil is the default, ADC is permitted when it:
- Controls disease vectors and fire hazards
- Minimizes odor, dust, and litter
- Prevents scavenging and aesthetic issues
- Provides a stable surface for equipment and traffic
TIEROC meets—and in many cases exceeds—these standards, with consistent performance that helps operators avoid costly violations or rework.
The Hidden Costs of Relying Solely on Soil
Soil is familiar, but not without its issues:
- Heavy equipment wear and tear from hauling and compacting
- Airspace loss from over-application
- Weather impacts, like mud, erosion, or freeze-thaw damage
- Labor and fuel costs tied to excavation and transport
TIEROC offers a better solution—whether used to supplement or replace soil entirely.
Why TIEROC Is a Smarter Choice
TIEROC’s wood-fiber ADC checks every box landfill operators care about:
- Compliant with Illinois EPA ADC standards under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 811.106
- Cleaner and safer than C&D fines or paper sludge
- Protects landfill gas (LNG) systems—no contamination or clogging
- Better coverage at a lower cost per yard than soil or stone
- Easier on equipment—reducing flat tires and operational downtime
- Sustainable and scalable, made from recycled clean wood—not waste
- Quick to apply, even in wet or cold conditions
- Highlight: In addition, as TIEROC decomposes, methane gas can be captured and sold by the landfill.
From Soil-Only to Smarter Strategy
Illinois policy opens the door to performance-based alternatives—and landfills are taking advantage. TIEROC isn’t just a substitute; it’s a strategic upgrade. Whether you’re trying to conserve airspace, reduce equipment maintenance, or simply avoid inspector red flags, switching to or supplementing with TIEROC is a future-focused move.
Ready to cover more ground for less? Contact TIEROC today for a sample or quote—and see how our clean, wood-fiber ADC can improve your landfill’s performance and compliance without breaking your budget.
