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ESTIMATE OF GLOBAL METHANE EMISSIONS FROM LANDFILLS AND OPEN DUMPS
Citation:
Doorn, M. AND M. A. Barlaz. ESTIMATE OF GLOBAL METHANE EMISSIONS FROM LANDFILLS AND OPEN DUMPS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-95/019 (NTIS PB95-177002), 1995.
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
The report presents an empirical model to estimate global methane (CH4) emissions from landfills and open dumps based on EPA data from landfill gas (LFG) recovery projects. The EPA CH4 estimates for 1990 range between 19 and 40 teragrams (10 to the 12th power) per year (Tg/yr), with a 30 Tg/yr midpoint. The U.S. is the biggest contributor to global CH4 emissions from this source, with estimates ranging from 8 to 17 Tg/yr with a 13 Tg/yr midpoint. CH4 produced by anaerobic decomposition of waste buried in landfills and open dumps is a significant contributor to global CH4 emissions, with estimates ranging from 10 to 70 Tg/yr. Global anthropogenic sources emit 360 Tg/yr, suggesting that landfills may account for 3 to 19%. Methods of managing solid waste vary widely, ranging from open dumps and open burning to sanitary landfills with leachate collection systems and LFG control. Many developed countries are considering incentive programs or regulatory requirements for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills that could result in a reduction of CH4 from landfills. For example, the U.S. is scheduled to promulgate Clean Air Act regulations for MSW landfills by June 1995. This rule is estimated to result in a CH4 emissions reduction of 5 to 7 Tg/yr by the year 2000.
