Published May 3, 2022

You probably already know that your garbage is hauled off to the landfill on trash day. But did you know that landfills are also a source of natural gas?

Landfill gas (LFG) is a natural byproduct of decomposing organic waste. LFG is roughly 50% methane (the primary component of natural gas), about 50% carbon dioxide, and a small amount of other organic compounds.

Large pipes are built into landfills to recover methane gas. It's important to remove gas trapped in landfills to prevent strong odors and worsening local smog and global climate change. There’s are over 500 operational landfills around the country, so it's important to contain methane, and there are some pretty innovative ways to convert methane into sources of energy.

🗑️ According to the EPA, “About 69% of currently operational LFG energy projects in the United States generate electricity.”

🗑️ LFG can be upgraded to renewable natural gas (RNG). RNG can be used in place of fossil natural gas, as pipeline-quality gas, compressed natural gas (CNG), or liquefied natural gas (LNG).

🗑️ 17% of LFG is used in boilers, dryers, kilns, greenhouses, or other thermal applications.

🗑️ LFG can be used to directly evaporate leachate. This practice is great when disposal is unavailable or too expensive.

🗑️ LFG is also used in auto manufacturing, chemical production, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, cement and brick manufacturing, consumer electronics and products, and paper and steel production.

Sources:

Environmental Protection Agency. Basic Information About Landfill Gas. EPA. <https://www.epa.gov/lmop/basic-information-about-landfill-gas>

Environmental Protection Agency. Benefits of Landfill Gas Energy Projects. EPA. <https://www.epa.gov/lmop/benefits-landfill-gas-energy-projects>

Environmental Protection Agency. LMOP Landfill Data by State. EPA. <http s://www.ep a.gov/lmop/project-and-landfill-data-state>