Every landfill needs a set of strategies and best practices to operate at its best. Otherwise, a poorly operated landfill can lead to complaints and decreased efficiency. Using the right waste compaction equipment is also an important part of running a landfill, as well as creating an effective operating plan.
Helpful Landfill Compaction Strategies
One of the most important parts of running a sanitary landfill is achieving a high waste compaction density so you can maximize the return on your investment. Proper landfill compaction also offers a safe environment for both employees and machines. One strategy to employ is increasing your machine’s travel speeds by using thin layers. This causes less wear and tear on your equipment, which saves you money and costly downtime.
A good rule of thumb is to put a compaction density of 1,000 pounds per cubic yard in place as a minimum requirement. Your landfill compactor’s number of passes depends on the wheel pressure, waste compressibility and layer thickness. The thin layers mentioned above should stay around 1 or 2 feet thick.
Landfill Compaction Best Practices
You can follow these additional best practices to optimize the density at your landfill:
- Train your operator well
- Do not use excessive passes
- Use a compactor with full-width compaction
- Keep slopes low
A well-trained operator can make the difference in your efficiency and cost-effectiveness. They should know how many passes they need, the best way to spread waste, and how to add or subtract compaction densities. Also, keep in mind that anything over six passes wastes fuel and can damage your machine.
Equipment Required for a Landfill
Landfills need a rugged and durable landfill compactor that is the right size for the job. Your compactor’s pound-per-linear-inch (PLI) is one of the most critical metrics. The higher the PLI, the more you can compact material in a small space and increase your density and profit. The wheels on your landfill compactor are important as well. They need protection guards for increased wear life and sidewalls that require less maintenance.
When you need new landfill compactor wheels, contact Prime Source Parts and Equipment.