Landfills

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Landfill gas (LFG), composed of about 50 percent methane, is a natural by-product of decomposing organic matter disposed in landfills, and a greenhouse gas when released to the atmosphere. LFG is extracted from landfills using a series of wells and a vacuum system. LFG can be used to produce electricity with engines, turbines, microturbines, or other technologies, used as an alternative to fossil fuels, or refined and injected into the natural gas pipeline. Capturing and using LFG in these ways can yield substantial energy, economic, environmental, air quality, and public health benefits. Internationally, significant opportunities exist for expanding the productive use of LFG. The technologies for collecting and beneficially utilizing LFG are proving to be cost effective.

To learn more, review the background information on the collection and use of methane from landfills.

The Landfill Gas Technical Subcommittee in collaboration with Project Network members is leading the Partnership’s efforts to reduce methane emissions from landfills.

The subcommittee is currently developing an Action Plan to focus on key technologies, market assessment, project financing, country-specific needs, cooperative opportunities, and communication and outreach.

Methane to Markets International Landfill Database

The Methane to Markets International Landfill Database Exiting Methane to Markets was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Landfill Methane Outreach Program. The database serves as a Web-based, voluntary data repository to promote the development of landfill gas energy projects. The application is being launched for data entry and we anticipate increasing amounts of landfill information in the upcoming months. The success of this database relies on Methane to Markets Partner Countries, Project Network members, and affiliates entering landfill-specific data. The database can be used to identify suitable landfills for landfill gas to energy project evaluation.

» Content and Functionality

The International Landfill Database has the capability to store the following types of landfill data: general location and contact information, landfill physical characteristics, gas collection system characteristics, waste characteristics, landfill operations, and additional information and comments.

The International Landfill Database can be queried by country, city, or landfill name. In addition to these queries, users are encouraged to enter new landfills in the database.

» Access

Access to the International Landfill Database is open to the general public, however a user name and password are required to enter or modify data in the database. Users can create a user name and password with a valid e-mail address. For more information about the International Landfill Database, or for assistance in using the database, contact Swarupa Ganguli, (Ganguli.Swarupa@epa.gov), U.S. EPA LMOP, at +1 202-343-9732.

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Landfill Gas Modeling Tools

Several country-specific landfill gas generation models have been developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Landfill Methane Outreach Program. These models were created to help landfill owners and operators and other interested parties evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of collecting and using LFG for energy recovery.

Ecuador Landfill Gas Model (Modelo de Biogás Ecuador) Exiting Methane to Markets

Mexico Landfill Gas Model 2.0 (Modelo de Biogás Mexicano) Exiting Methane to Markets

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Outreach Material

  • Methane to Markets Landfill Fact Sheet (September 2006).

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Subcommittee Documents

  • Minutes (PDF, 17 pp., 119 KB) from Landfill Subcommittee Meeting (June 2008)
  • Minutes (PDF, 19 pp., 147 KB) from Landfill Subcommittee Meeting (November 2007)
  • Minutes (PDF, 23 pp., 215 KB) from Landfill Subcommittee Meeting (May 2007)
  • Methane to Markets Guide to On-line Landfill Gas Resources (XLS, 221 KB) (Download Free Excel Spreadsheet Viewer Exiting Methane to Markets) This guide has been formatted so that you can filter and search for resources by:
    • Topic: LFG recovery and use, clean development mechanisms, climate change, and renewable energy
    • Type of resource: guidance documents, pre-feasibility studies, databases, case studies, software, approved methodologies, and more
    • Applicable country or region, and
    • Authoring organization
  • Minutes (PDF, 15 pp., 108 KB) from Landfill Subcommittee Meeting (November 2006)
  • Action Plan: Landfill Subcommittee (PDF, 15 pp., 91 KB) (May 2006)
  • Minutes (PDF, 13 pp., 111 KB) from Landfill Subcommittee Meeting (May 2006)
  • Minutes (PDF, 18 pp., 208 KB) from Landfill Subcommittee Meeting (6 December 2005)
  • Minutes (PDF, 13 pp., 199 KB) from Landfill Technical Subcommittee Meeting (June 2005)
  • Minutes (PDF, 2 pp., 39 KB) from Landfill Technical Subcommittee Meeting (November 2004)

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Country-Specific Profile and Strategic Plans

  • Argentina (PDF, 4 pp., 98 KB)
  • Australia (PDF, 17 pp., 357 KB)
  • Brazil (PDF, 57 pp., 2,402 KB)
  • Canada (PDF, 12 pp., 168 KB)
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Italy (PDF, 11 pp., 260 KB)
  • Japan (PDF, 1 p., 121 KB)
  • Mexico
  • Nigeria
  • Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  • Russian Federation
  • United Kingdom (PDF, 5 pp., 128 KB)
  • Ukraine
  • United States (PDF, 13 pp., 242 KB)

Country representatives may fill-out and submit the country-specific profile and strategic plan (MS Word, 4 pp., 85 KB) to the Administrative Support Group for inclusion on this page.

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Useful Links

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