A problem solved

One of the world's largest sources of human-related methane emissions is municipal solid waste landfills. They account for eight per cent of total methane emissions and thirteen per cent of total global methane emissions from human activity*.

Landfill waste decomposes under anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions. This leads to the production of methane, which varies in quantity according to the volume of waste, its moisture content and the operational practices at the landfill site. Methane and carbon dioxide each account for approximately 50 per cent of landfill gas (LFG) emissions. A small quantity of non-methane organic compounds are also produced, including hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).

Using a variety of technologies and practices, Green Gas helps its customers collect LFG to provide a number of benefits:

• A reduction in greenhouse gases
• Improved safety at or near landfills
• A reduction in pollution and unpleasant odours
• Less need for the use of fossil fuel energy sources
• Additional revenue for the landfill operator from the sale of heat and power and the creation of valuable carbon credits.

*Source: Scheehle, E. A. and Kruger, D. (2004). Global anthropogenic methane and nitrous oxide emissions (Energy Journal)