RAM Insights

Revolutionizing Landfill Management with Aerial Infrared Scans

Written by Henry Patricy | Aug 19, 2025 7:50:13 PM

Safeguard Your Landfills with Cutting-Edge Technology

Landfills are more than disposal sites – they’re critical components of environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. Yet beneath the surface lie hidden risks: methane gas leaks, subsurface fires, uneven settlement, and moisture infiltration in caps and liners. Left unchecked, these challenges can trigger costly violations, safety hazards, and operational disruptions.

Traditional ground-based inspections often fall short. They’re time-intensive, cover limited areas, and can miss early warning signs. That’s where RAM Companies steps in.

A Proven Solution, Now Applied to Landfills

RAM Companies, headquartered in Brunswick, Ohio, has spent more than 25 years pioneering aerial infrared diagnostics for roofs and building enclosures. Our NASA-rated infrared technology is now transforming landfill oversight.

Mounted on fixed-wing aircraft, our high-resolution infrared cameras capture entire landfill surfaces in a single flight. The result: thermal maps that uncover problems invisible to the human eye.

Why Aerial Infrared Scans Are Essential for Landfills

Our scans transform landfill management from reactive to predictive:

  • Methane and Gas Leak Detection
    Thermal imaging pinpoints hotspots where gases escape through caps or liners. Early detection supports EPA compliance, reduces emissions, and even opens the door for carbon credit opportunities.
  • Subsurface Fire & Heat Monitoring
    Underground fires can smolder undetected for months, destabilizing sites and releasing harmful gases. Our technology spots thermal anomalies early, preventing catastrophic events.

  • Moisture & Structural Integrity
    Just as we scan commercial roofs, we identify water intrusion or erosion in landfill covers – issues that shorten site lifespan and increase costs.

  • Efficiency & Cost Savings
    Our flights safely cover thousands of acres in hours, not weeks. Compared to manual surveys, aerial infrared is up to 10x faster and far more accurate, helping landfill operators save millions by avoiding emergencies.

Data That Drives Action

RAM’s approach blends daytime visual imagery with nighttime infrared scans to create layered maps for clear decision-making. Our experienced analysts interpret anomalies with precision – down to hundredths of a degree – so landfill managers know exactly where to focus resources.

Proven Expertise from RAM Companies

RAM has a history of saving clients millions by revealing issues that are repairable, not terminal. In roofing, this means avoiding unnecessary tear-offs; in landfill management, it means extending site life, preventing fires, and keeping operations compliant and efficient.

By applying our aerial thermography to landfill operations, we’re not just improving oversight – we’re redefining how waste management leaders think about sustainability, safety, and cost savings.

Ready to Scan Your Future?

RAM Companies is proud to bring aerial infrared scanning to landfill management. Whether it’s preventing gas leaks, extending landfill life, or ensuring environmental compliance, our technology delivers unmatched insight.

Contact us today to schedule a demo or customized proposal.