Landfill Gas
The anaerobic decomposition of organic materials in a municipal solid waste landfill will generate a combination of gases (collectively called landfill gas) at a maximum rate of approximately 0.15 cubic feet per pound of waste per year. Predominantly methane and carbon dioxide, the underground migration of landfill gas can pose serious safety risks in nearby structures when the gas accumulates at concentrated levels. At smaller landfills, a gas venting layer allows for the effective collection and dispersion of landfill gas which is passively released through vents installed in a landfill's cover system. At larger landfills, the gas is often actively collected and either burned in flares or utilized in Landfill Gas-to-Energy projects.
DMM, Bureau of Solid Waste Management
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
