Innovation at Kaizer Meadow

Innovation at Kaizer Meadow

One quarter of an inch.

That’s all the landfill cover it takes Kaizer Meadow to protect the environment on and around the site.

In the last year, the Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management Centre has made significant improvements to an already stellar track record in cutting edge environmental practices. Its most recent investment – an Alternate Daily Cover Machine – ensures that all garbage is covered at the end of the day so nothing escapes the landfill site.

Purchased in 2008, the machine was a $100, 000 investment for the Municipality of the District of Chester, but Kaizer Meadow’s site manager, David Daniels, says it is worth so much more. “In one year this machine will save the landfill 4200 cubic meters of air space which, at today’s tipping fees, has a value of roughly $200, 000. It will pay for itself in six months.”

Alternate cover shrinks the environmental impact of the landfill. Landfill operating permits call for covering the landfill each day. Generally, this would call for 4-6 inches of clay, soil or compost cover; however, with this machine only ¼ inch of cover is needed per day. Once mixed, the cover becomes a material similar to paper mâché, which traps all garbage and stops it from blowing off or falling down the sides of the landfill cell. It helps to protect the environment around the site, saves copious amounts of airspace and money and reduces the need to disturb any habitats by digging up clay around the site.

The landfill cover is made up of products found at the landfill every day. Ground up paper, wood waste, water and a type of polymer are mixed together and sprayed over the landfill to create a ¼ inch thick layer over the garbage. Adding an extra mix of ingredients (the main component is grape seed oil) to the landfill cover gives the landfill cover the pleasant aroma of grapes. And while people like the grape smell, it’s a deterrent for birds, thereby minimizing their exposure to the waste.

Since the landfill cover machine was purchased, the staff at Kaizer Meadow has discovered that this is a versatile piece of machinery. It has a 1700 gallon water tank that is kept full on site for fire suppression; it can be used to mix dust control materials for roads; and can also be used as a high-pressure pressure washer to clean off other large machinery before they go to the shop for repairs.

The environment at and around the Kaizer Meadow Environmental Management Centre is thriving, thanks to our advanced technology and environmentally friendly staff. This newest addition is giving us the opportunity to do even more to ensure that the environment is as good as or better than it was when we started working here.