Capture greenhouse gas (GHG) and carbon sequestration at landfills

Carbon sequestration through landfill gas collection is a proactive approach to offsetting carbon emissions. By collecting and capturing methane emissions from landfills, we prevent them from entering the atmosphere while sustainably contributing to the energy supply of the community. Through the implementation of landfill gas-to-energy projects on landfill sites, including facilities for renewable natural gas, more than 90% of the methane produced from landfill gas can be utilized in a beneficial manner. This leads to a significant decrease in emissions and contributes to the displacement of natural gas derived from fossil fuels.

Below are the advantage of landfill gas collection:

1. Methane Emissions Reduction: Landfills emit methane gas as organic waste decomposes anaerobically. Methane has a significantly higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, estimated to be around 84 times more potent. Collecting landfill gas prevents methane from being released into the atmosphere, effectively reducing short-term greenhouse gas emissions.

• Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg1/)

2. Conversion to Carbon Dioxide: Landfill gas collection systems capture methane before it is released into the atmosphere. Methane is then typically flared or utilized for energy production, where it is oxidized and converted into carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide’s global warming potential over a 100-year timeframe is significantly lower than methane, making it a preferable emission.

• Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (https://www.epa.gov/lmop/basic-information-about-landfill-gas)

3. Long-Term Emission Reduction: By reducing methane emissions, landfill gas collection contributes to long-term climate change mitigation efforts and helps stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.

• Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (https://www.epa.gov/lmop/basic-information-about-landfill-gas)

4. Carbon Sequestration Potential: Although landfill gas collection systems primarily focus on methane capture and emission reduction, some landfill gas utilization methods, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, can potentially sequester carbon dioxide underground, further mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

• Source: International Energy Agency (IEA). (https://www.iea.org/topics/carbon-capture-utilisation-and-storage)

5. Enhanced Environmental Benefits: Beyond carbon sequestration, landfill gas collection also offers environmental benefits such as improved air quality, reduced odors, and protection of local ecosystems. These benefits contribute to overall environmental sustainability and public health.