The Air We Breathe: Landfills and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Discover the environmental impact of landfills on greenhouse gas emissions and explore solutions to reduce waste and combat climate change. Learn more about the science, policy, and what you can do to help.
8/12/20244 min read


Landfills are more than just places where our waste ends up—they are silent contributors to a growing environmental challenge. Across the globe, landfills contribute approximately 1.6 billion tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions each year. Among these, methane emissions stand out as a potent threat, with a global warming potential (GWP) 28 times greater than carbon dioxide. This isn't just a statistic; it's a wake-up call.
Methane is emitted from decomposing biodegradable waste, making landfills significant contributors to climate change. But it’s not just about global warming. The harmful gases released from landfills also impact the air quality we breathe, especially in nearby communities. These emissions can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices. The good news? We have the power to make a difference.
Understanding Landfills: What Happens to Our Waste?
When we think about landfills, we often imagine vast mountains of municipal solid waste (MSW). But what really happens to our waste once it’s buried? A landfill is a designated site where waste is isolated from the environment until it’s safe. However, even after a landfill is closed, it can continue to emit methane, turning it into a methane hotspot and a persistent environmental concern.
In countries like India, MSW is largely composed of biodegradable waste. When this organic matter decomposes anaerobically—without oxygen—it produces methane and carbon dioxide. The problem is not just the methane itself but also the fact that this process can continue for years, even decades. This is why sustainable waste management practices are essential to mitigate these emissions.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Mankomb, a deeptech startup has been pioneering disruptive technologies to phase out biodegradable waste from landfills using AI powered aerobic processes. This not only reduces methane emissions but also transforms waste back into regenerated soil.
The Science Behind Landfills and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Landfills emit two primary greenhouse gases: methane and carbon dioxide. Methane, in particular, is a major concern due to its high global warming potential. Even after landfills are closed, legacy waste dumpsites continue to emit substantial methane, making them long-term contributors to climate change.
Take, for instance, the Ghazipur landfill in Delhi. In November 2021, this site recorded a methane leak of 156 tonnes per hour. This is not just a local issue; it highlights the urgent need for better waste management practices globally. Continuous monitoring and improved landfill management, aligned with the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, are critical to tackling these emissions.
The Global Impact of Landfill Emissions
The environmental impact of landfills is not confined to one country or region. Globally, landfills are responsible for emitting 30-70 million tonnes of methane annually. In India alone, landfills contribute around 14% of the country’s total methane emissions. This is alarming, especially considering the increasing volume of urban waste generated every year.
But there’s hope. Innovative solutions are emerging. Companies like Mankomb are leading by example, showing that with the right practices, we can turn this around. By promoting composting, recycling, and the use of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), they’re reducing the environmental hazards associated with traditional landfills.
Current Solutions and Innovations in Reducing Landfill Emissions
There are several strategies available today to reduce landfill emissions, and many of them are already being implemented with great success.
One effective approach is methane capture. This gas can be used as a renewable energy source, significantly reducing methane emissions. With the right technology, 30-60% of landfill gases can be captured and converted into energy. This is not just good for the environment; it’s also a potential revenue stream for communities.
Another promising solution is waste diversion. By diverting biodegradable waste away from landfills and into anaerobic digestion facilities, we can produce biogas and reduce methane emissions simultaneously. This approach is not just theoretical; it’s being practiced in communities around the world.
Innovative technologies like biocovers, anaerobic digesters, and biochar are also making a difference. These technologies help to further reduce landfill emissions and manage waste more sustainably. With continued investment and adoption, they could play a critical role in the future of waste management.
The Role of Policy and Regulation
Governments around the world are beginning to recognize the importance of regulating landfill emissions. While some countries have signed the Global Methane Pledge to reduce emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, others, like India, are focusing on sector-specific strategies.
In India, the Clean India Initiative aims to transform garbage mountains into green zones. This is a commendable step, but there’s still a long way to go. Stronger regulations and better enforcement are needed to curb landfill emissions effectively. Sustainable waste management must become a national priority, especially as the country’s waste generation is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades.
What Can Individuals and Communities Do?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, but individual actions can have a big impact. By embracing the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling, we can all help to decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and reduce our carbon footprint.
Communities can also make a difference. Mankomb is proving that managing wet waste at the source can lead to significant results. By promoting composting, recycling, and awareness campaigns, communities can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Looking Forward: The Future of Waste Management
The future of waste management lies in innovation and sustainability. Technologies that can transform waste into energy or useful products will be crucial in reducing landfill emissions. Large-scale anaerobic digestion facilities, improved landfill gas capture systems, and other innovative solutions represent significant opportunities for the future.
But it’s not just about technology. We need to embrace a circular economy—an economy where waste is minimized, and resources are reused and recycled. This approach not only addresses environmental impact but also creates economic opportunities, fostering a more sustainable and resilient world.
Takeaway
Landfills are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. But with better waste management practices and innovative technologies, we can address this issue. It’s up to all of us—individuals, communities, and governments—to take action.
The air we breathe depends on the choices we make today. Are we ready to make the change?
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