What happens to your garbage after it’s collected and buried in a landfill? Most of us don’t give it a second thought but, below the surface, a complex chemical process is taking place. Landfills are dynamic environments that generate a mixture of gases as waste decomposes.
This mixture, known as landfill gas (LFG), is both a potential hazard and an underutilised energy resource. If left unchecked, it can pose significant risks to people, property and the environment. But with proper monitoring and management, landfill gas can be harnessed to generate renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In this article, we explore the science behind landfill gas, the risks it poses, and how effective monitoring can help protect communities and unlock the green energy potential of waste.
Landfill gases are produced during the natural decomposition of organic waste materials buried in landfill sites. These gases form as microbes break down biodegradable materials like food scraps, garden waste and paper in the absence of oxygen.
The two primary components of landfill gas are:
In addition to these, landfill gas contains small amounts of other gases such as:
These trace components can contribute to odour problems and present health or environmental concerns if not properly managed.
Landfill gas is generated through anaerobic decomposition, a process where bacteria break down organic waste in the absence of oxygen. This typically occurs in four stages:
Several factors influence how much gas a landfill produces and how quickly, including:
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the peak methane generation from a landfill usually occurs between 5 and 7 years after closure, depending on site conditions.
While landfill gas may be invisible, its impact can be highly visible and dangerous. Without effective monitoring, LFG can migrate from the landfill site and cause serious safety, environmental and health issues.
Methane is highly flammable. If it accumulates in confined spaces such as buildings, tunnels or underground utility conduits, it can lead to explosions or fires.
Landfill gas can displace oxygen in enclosed areas, posing a serious suffocation risk to workers or nearby residents.
Methane is over 25 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas over a 100-year period. Uncontrolled LFG emissions contribute significantly to global warming and can damage nearby vegetation through oxygen displacement and root suffocation.
Trace gases like hydrogen sulphide and VOCs can cause respiratory issues, headaches, nausea, and other symptoms in humans when exposure levels are high.
Landfill gas monitoring systems are essential for detecting potential risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enabling the safe recovery of methane for energy use.
These systems typically include a number of different variables that must be considered when planning their implementation.
LFG monitoring systems work by installing monitoring wells at strategic locations within and around the landfill to collect gas samples and assess concentrations at different depths. Proper placement is crucial to capture representative data and detect lateral migration. Data is then collected and continuously logged at these locations and can be transmitted via telemetry to remote monitoring stations, allowing for real-time analysis and rapid response.
However, when gas concentrations exceed safe thresholds, automated alarms notify operators, helping to prevent accidents or environmental damage. To ensure accuracy, all gas monitoring equipment must be regularly calibrated and maintained.
Investing in LFG monitoring not only ensures compliance and safety, but it can also unlock significant financial returns. By capturing methane and converting it into electricity or heat, landfill sites can reduce operational costs and even generate revenue through renewable energy schemes.
At Ecotec, we understand the critical role landfill gas monitoring plays in protecting both people and the planet. Our innovative gas detection solutions are designed to offer accurate, reliable, and scalable monitoring for landfill operators and environmental consultants.
If you’re looking to improve the safety, compliance and sustainability of your landfill site, Ecotec is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more about our landfill gas monitoring solutions and how they can support your project goals.
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