FPA/600/A-93/240
Landfill Gas and Its Influence on Global Climate Change
Susan A. Thorneloe
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
ABSTRACT
Landfills are considered a major source of methane (CH4) which is a potent
greenhouse gas. Because this source is amenable to cost effective control measures,
research designed to reduce the uncertainty associated with CH4 emissions estimates
has been given a high priority. The CH4 can be either flared or utilized for its energy
potential. Bingemer and Crutzen (1987) estimated that landfills contribute 30 to 70
teragrams per year (Tg/yr) of CH4. Recent United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) estimates suggest that this source contributes 20 to 40 Tg/yr. There
are major sources of uncertainty with estimating CH4 emissions from landfills. EPA is
working toward reducing these uncertainties and developing more reliable estimates.
This chapter describes the relative importance of landfills to global warming
and identifies the major sources of uncertainty with current emission estimates. This
chapter also provides an overview of EPA's research program on global landfill CH4.
This includes developing more reliable estimates of global landfill CH4 emissions,
characterizing the current state of technology for controlling and utilizing landfill CH4,
and demonstrating innovative technologies for mitigating and utilizing landfill CH4.
The research that is described in this paper was funded through the EPA's
Global Climate Change Research Program. This research is part of a larger EPA
research program to develop more reliable emission estimates for the major sources
of greenhouse gas emissions. This research is being conducted in support of the
goals established at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
in 1992. This chapter has been reviewed in accordance with EPA's peer and
administrative review policies and approved for presentation and publication.

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INTRODUCTION
Methane (CH4) produced by the decomposition of waste buried in landfills and
open dumps is a significant contributor to global CH4 emissions. Current estimates
range from 30 to 70 teragrams per year (Tg/yr) (IPCC, 1992). Global anthropogenic
sources emit 360 Tg/yr (IPCC, 1992) which suggests that landfills may account for 8
to 20 percent of the total. Waste management practices vary globally and this
affects CH4 emissions. Landfill gas typically consists of approximately 50 percent
CH4, 50 percent carbon dioxide (C02), and trace constituents of non-methane organic
compounds (NMOCs). Primarily due to the ability to utilize the CH4 for its energy
potential, this is a relatively cost-effective source of greenhouse gas emissions to
control.
The potential control of CH4 emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW)
landfills has been targeted by the United States (U.S.) and other countries as part of
greenhouse gas reduction programs designed to meet the goals of treaties signed at
the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in 1992.
In May 1991, the U.S. proposed Clean Air Act regulations for new and existing MSW
landfills. These regulations are expected to be promulgated by February 1994.
These regulations are estimated to result in a CH4 emission reduction of 7 to 10
Tg/yr. The control of U.S. landfill CH4 is considered a significant step toward realizing
the goals established at UNCED.
Methane arid Its Importance to Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that
emissions resulting from human activities are substantially increasing the atmospheric
concentrations of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) (CO2, CH4, chlorofluorocarbons, and
nitrous oxide) (IPCC, 1990 and 1992). General circulation models (GCMs) project that
an increase in GHG concentrations, equivalent to a doubling of the preindustrial level of
atmospheric CO2, would produce global average temperature increases between 1.9
and 5.2°C (3.4 and 9.4°F) (NAS, 1991). Currently, there are many uncertainties in the
predictions, particularly with regard to timing, magnitude, and regional patterns of
climate change.
The IPCC has concluded that the average global temperature has increased
between 0.3 to 0.6°C (0.5 to 1.1°F ) over the last 100 years (IPCC, 1992). This
could be attributed to climate change or to natural climate variability. With our
limited understanding of the underlying phenomena, neither can be ruled out. If the
higher GCM projections prove to be accurate, substantial responses would be needed,
and the stresses on this planet and its inhabitants would be serious (NAS, 1991).
2

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The UNCED was held in 1992 to reach agreements on steps that can be taken
to reduce GHG emissions. The general consensus is that, despite the great
uncertainties, greenhouse warming is a potential threat sufficient to justify action now.
Opportunities for cost-eflective adaptation or mitigation are being considered (U.S.
EPA, 1989a,b).
Methane is a potent GHG due to its radiative forcing ability. It is second to C02
in its global contribution to radiative forcing (Figure 1).
01 Carbon Dioxide H] Methane Q CFCs IS Nitrous Oxide
Estimated on a carbon dioxide equivalent basis using IPCC (1990) global warming
potentials (GWPs) for a 100-year time horizon. Anthropogenic emissions only.
'This chart is used to present a general understanding of CH^s contribution to future warming
based on the GWPs presented in IPCC (1990). However, these GWPs are continually being
revised due to a variety of scientific and methodological issues. It is likely that the contribution
of CFCs presented will decrease and that the contribution of other gases will be about the same
or greater upon further investigation.
2U.S.EPA, 1993.
Figure 1. Global Contribution to Integrated Radiative Forcing
by Gas for 1990*.2
5 %
1 8%
P::xHx:!x::x::xnx:txttX2:x:;xf7Nh|
kx::x::x::x::xnx;:x::x::x::jcip^
;:xltxfsx::x::x:uij^; : t
|	*! * I * ?**j **: *
i 'T'T'T'T'T'T*':'''
3

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Melhane is 20 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO2 over a 100 year
time period^ (U.S. EPA, 1993). The atmospheric concentration of CH4 was 1.72 ppmv in 1990
or slightly more than twice that before 1750. It is rising at a rate of 0.9 percent per year.
The doubling of the CH4 concentration over the last 200 years is attributed to increasing
emissions from anthropogenic (human related) sources. Anthropogenic emissions currently
constitute about 70 percent of total emissions. The contribution of major anthropogenic CH4
sources to global emissions is provided in Figure 2.
Waste CH4 emlssions-from landfills, digesters, coal mines, and natural gas
systems -are being targeted as potential sources for control because they are amenable to cost-
effective control through the utilization of the CH4. The U.S. regulations for air emissions for
MSW landfills are expected to result in requiring about 10 to 15 percent of all MSW landfills to
collect and control. These regulations are expected to result in a reduction of 7 to 10 Tg of CH4
by 2000 and -250,000 Mg per year of NMOC. The contribution of landfill CH4 in the U.S. to
other anthropogenic sources is provided in Figure 3. The landfill regulation is anticipated to
result in a reduction of 40 to 45 percent of the CH4 emissions from U.S. MSW landfills.
It is hoped that this gas will be utilized, as opposed to flared, because of the increased
environmental benefits resulting from an offset in power plant emissions and the conservation
of global fossil fuel resources. However, barriers exist that may result in landfill
owners/operators choosing to flare the gas. These barriers are identified in the chapter on the
U.S. landfill gas industry.
Global Landfill Methane Emissions
Previous estimates for landfill CH4 are believed to overstate the emissions primarily due
to limitations in available data for waste quantities being landfilled and the use of optimistic
assumptions regarding anaerobic decomposition within a landfill. Using data from sites that are
collecting and controlling the gas resulting from landfilled waste, the EPA's Air and Energy
Engineering Research Laboratory (AEERL) has developed a methodology for estimating global
landfill CH4 emissions (Peer et al., 1992). The country-specific estimates using this
methodology are presented in Table 1. The estimate indicates that 22 to 46 Tg/yr of CH4 (with a
midpoint of 34 Tg/yr of CH4) is resulting from landfilled waste. The information used to develop
these estimates is also identified in Table 1. The contribution of these emissions based on
geographical region is presented in Figure 4.
The methodology and the assumptions used to develop these estimates are being documented
in an EPA report to be published later this year. Earlier reports and papers describing this
research are available (Thorneloe, 1992b, Peer et al., 1993, Peer et al., 1992, Campbell et al.,
1991). Future revisions of these estimates will be based on the comments received on the initial
1 Methane is reported with a GWP of 11 over a 100 year time frame and with indirect effects
that could be comparable in magnitude to its direct effect (IPCC, 1992). The GWP reflects the
effect that releasing 1 kg of CH4 would have over a specified time horizon, relative to releasing
1 kg of CO2.
4

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Figure 2. Contribution of Major Methane Sources to
Global Anthropogenic Emissions^
1 1 %
28%
1 7%
Eilil
2 1 %
23%
El
Coal Mining, Natural Gas
& Petroleum Industry; 100 Tg
~
Enteric Fermentation: 80
Tg
n
Waste Disposal (landfills,
sewage treatment, animal wastes): 72 Tg
~
Rice Paddles: 60 Tg


Biomass Burning: 40 Tg

|1 Estimates are from IPCC, 1992 except for waste disposal estimates from Thorneloe et al., 1993.
|2Total global anthropogenic emissions are -350 Tg/yr.
5

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Figure 3. Contribution of Major CH4 Sources to
Total U.S. Anthropogenic Emissions1
6 %
1 0%
3 6%
1 0%
1 7%
21 %
I Q Landfills	El Coal Mining	Q Natural Gas Systems 0 Other Sources
~ Domestic Livestock Q Livestock Manure
1U.S. EPA, 1993.
6

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TABLE 1. COUNTRY-SPECIFIC METHANE EMISSION ESTIMATES
FROM LANDFILLS AND OPEN DUMPS 1


Waste
EPA/AEERL's Regression Model
Country
Generated
Lower Bound
Midpoint
Upper Bound

(Tg/yr)
(Tg/yr)
(Tg/yr)
(Tg/yr)





Africa




Congo
0.24
0.00
0.01
0.01
Egypt
6.99
0.08
0.13
0.1 7
Gambia
0.08
0.00
0.00
0.00
Ghana
2.35
0.03
0.05
0.06
Kenya
2.28
0.04
0.06
0.08
Liberia
0.32
0.01
0.01
0.01
Morocco
3.12
0.05
0.08
0.1 1
Nigeria
10.61
0.18
0.28
0.38
South Africa
11.17
0.11
0.18
0.24
Sudan
2.79
0.03
0.05
0.07
Tanzania
2.29
0.03
0.04
0.06
Uganda
1.47
0.02
0.03
0.04
Zimbabwe
1.90
0.02
0.03
0.04
Other Africa
31.46
0.48
0.75
1.02
TOTAL - AFRICA
78
1.1
1.7
2.3 1
Asia




Bangladesh
7.99
0.08
0.13
0.17
China
134.50
0.64
0.99
1.35
India
66.79
0.74
1.15
1.56
Iran
10.76
0.16
0.25
0.34
Iraq
4.21
0.06
0.10
0.13
Israel
1.20
0.01
0.02
0.03
Japan
41.00
0.24
0.38
0.51
Kuwait
0.59
0.01
0.01
0.02
Malaysia
2.01
0.03
0.05
0.07
Mongolia
0.18
0.00
0.00
0.01
Myanmar
3.11
0.03
0.05
0.07
North Korea
3.74
0.06
0.09
0.12
Pakistan
10.34
0.1 1
0.17
0.22
Philippines
7.90
0.08
0.13
0.17
Saudia Arabia
3.54
0.05
0.08
0.11
South Korea
28.11
0.04
0.07
0.09
Sri Lanka
2.39
0.02
0.04
0.05
Thailand
7.04
0.09
0.15
0.20
Turkey
9.58
0.18
0.28
0.38
United Arab Emirates
0.41
0.01
0.01
0.01
Vietnam
6.29
0.09
0.14
0.20
Other Asia
34.00
0.60
0.94
1.29
TOTAL - ASIA
390
3.3
5.2
7.1 I




(Continued)

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TABLE 1. COUNTRY-SPECIFIC METHANE EMISSION ESTIMATES
FROM LANDFILLS AND OPEN DUMPS (Continued)


Waste
EPA/AEERL's Regression Model
Country
Generated
Lower Bound
Midpoint
Upper Bound

(Tg/yr)
(Tg/yr)
(Tg/yr)
(Tg/yr)

.v. ¦: y.y.'.v. -y.



Europe




Albania
0.37
0.01
0.01
0.02
Austria
2.60
0.05
0.08
0.11
Belgium
3.10
0.04
0.06
0.08
Bulgaria
2.20
0.02
0.03
0.04
Czechoslovakia
2.83
0.05
0.09
0.12
Denmark
2.35
0.02
0.03
0.04
Finland
2.50
0.09
0.13
0.18
France
34.00
0.41
0.64
0.87
Germany
33.94
0.48
0.75
1.02
Greece
1.78
0.05
0.08
0.10
Hungary
3.20
0.06
0.09
0.12
Ireland
1.10
0.03
0.05
0.06
Italy
17.30
0.34
0.53
0.72
Netherlands
8.50
0.12
0.19
0.26
Norway
2.00
0.03
0.05
0.06
Poland
7.90
0.11
0.17
0.23
Romania
4.50
0.04
0.06
0.08
Spain
11.00
0.22
0.35
0.48
Sweden
2.30
0.03
0.04
0.05
Switzerland /Liechtenstein
5.80
0.03
0.05
0.07
United Kingdom
32.00
0.75
1.18
1.60
U.S.S.R. (former)
40.84
0.83
1.29
1.76
Yugoslavia
3.26
0.06
0.10
0.13
Other Europe
3.20
0.06
0.10
0.13
TOTAL" EUROPE "				 	
	230	
	3.9	
	6.2	
		8.3	|
North and South America




Canada
21.00
0.57
0.89
1.21
United States of America
281.20
10.90
17.00
23.10
Argentina
5.67
0.10
0.15
0.20
Brazil
31.00
0.66
1.03
1.40
Colombia
6.80
0.15
0.24
0.33
Venezuela
5.23
0.08
0.12
0.17
Other N. & S. America
38.35
0.53
0.83
1.13
TOTAL - N. & S. AMERICA
390
13
20
28 )
Australia & Oceania




Australia
11.00
0.23
0.37
0.50
New Zealand
2.10
0.05
0.08
0.11
Other Oceania
0.54
0.01
0.01
0.02
TOTAL - OCEANIA
14
0.3
0.5
0.6 |



TOTAL GLOBAL
1102
22
34
aw-mswB;1'f '¦'> '-'v.
46
1 For references used in developing estimates, see Table 2.
NOTE: Decimals in country-specific estimates do not indicate precision. Estimates are considered
precise to within 2 significant figures. Totals may not equal sum of individual numbers due to
rounding.
8

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TABLE 2. REFERENCES USED IN DEVELOPING
ESTIMATES OF TABLE 1	
Africa
Asia and the Middle East
Europe
North America
Oceania
South and Central America


References*
115
16-29
30-45
46-48
49-50
51-56
	: 	
•Reference Key
1.	Bartone, 1990b.
2.	El-Halwagi el al., 1988.
3.	El-Halwagi et al., 1986.
4.	Kaltwasser, 1986.
5.	United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) et al., 1987.
6.	Holmes, 1984.
7.	Monney, 1986.
8.	Cointreau, 1984.
9.	Cointreau, 1987.
10.	The World Bank, 1985.
11.	Mwiraria et al, 1991.
12.	United Republic of Tanzania, 1989.
13.	Verrier, 1990.
14.	World Resources Institute, 1990.
15.	Rettenberger and Weiner, 1986.
16.	Bhide and Sundaresan, 1990.
17.	Bhide et ai„ 1990.
18.	United Nations, 1989.
19.	Maniatis et al., 1987.
20.	Lohani and Thanh, 1980.
21.	Ahmed, 1986.
22.	Pairoj-Boriboon, 1986.
23.	Gadi, 1986.
24.	Mel-Chan, 1986
25.	Kaidjian, 1990.
26.	Diaz and Goulueke, 1987,
27.	Cossu, 1990a.
28.	Hayakawa, 1990.
29.	Swarlz, 1989.
30.	World Resources Institute, 1990.
31.	Carra and Cossu, 1990.
32.	Ettala, 1990.
33.	Stegmann, 1990
34.	Ernst, 1990.
35.	Cossu and Urbini, 1990.
36.	Beker, 1990.
37.	Gandolia, 1990.
38.	Cossu, 1990b.
39.	Swarlz, 1989.
40.	Richards, 1989.
41.	Kaidjian, 1990.
42	Scheepera, 1990.
43.	Bartone and Haley, 1990.
44.	Bartone, 1990a,b,c,d.
45.	Bingemer and Crutzen, 1987.
46.	U.S. EPA, 1988.
47.	Kaidjian, 1990.
48.	El Rayes and Edwards, 1991.
49	Bateman, 1988.
50.	Richards, 1989.
51.	Kessler, 1990.
52.	Kaidjian, 1990.
53.	World Resources Institute, 1990.
54.	Diaz and Golueke, 1987.
55.	Bartone et al., 1991.
56.	Yepes and Campbell, 1990.
9

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Figure 4. Contribution of Landfill CH4 to
Global Landfill CH4 Emissions (Tg/yr)1
m No. America
~
Latin & So. America
E3 Europe
Hi
Africa
H Asia
~
Australia & Oceania
'Estimates for this figure are from Table 1 using the midpoint.
estimates and additional data and information being collected. For example, the estimates in Table 1 do
not adjust for the type of waste being landfilled. Ongoing research by EPA will result in gas potential
data that will provide factors for adjusting for the types of waste being landfilled (Barlaz, 1991). This
is considered important because there are definite differences in geographical regions as to the types of
waste being landfilled.
There are changes occurring in waste management practices worldwide. For example,
industrialized countries are adopting recycling programs to help extend the life of landfills,
particularly where iandfilling space is at a premium. This results in less paper, food, and yard waste
being landfilled. The effect of this on future landfill emissions is presently unknown. Developing
countries are adapting "sanitary" landfills, resulting in increased CH4 emissions. Other factors
10

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important to the accurate characterization of landfill CH4 are being Investigated, such as the inhibition
of leachate on CH4 generation trends in worldwide waste management practices, changing composition of
waste in landfills, and implementation of regulations requiring control of landfill air emissions. These
ongoing efforts will help to provide data and other information that will be used to reduce the
uncertainties associated with estimating global landfill CH4.
EPA's Research Program on Waste Methane Utilization
Currently there are 114 landfill-gas-to-energy projects in the U.S. and about 200 worldwide
(Thorneloe, 1992a). Technology transfer/technical assistance programs have been initiated by EPA's
AEERL to help encourage the utilization of waste CH4 and to help implement the soon-tobe-promulgated
Clean Air Act regulations for MSW landfills. For example, AEERL Is working with a consortium of local
government representatives to explore the application of EPA research on CfVenergy recovery from
MSW landfills. AEERL also serves on the International Energy Agency (IEA) Expert Working Group on
Landfill Gas and the Steering Committee for the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and
participates in the International Solid Waste Association. In collaboration with SWANA, the IEA, and the
United Kingdom's Energy Technology Support Unit, the EPA is developing a database of landfill-gas-to-
energy projects. An EPA report, along with computer software, Is scheduled to be published in April
1994, which will provide an up-to-dale list and information for landfill-gas-to-energy projects in
North America {Thorneloe, 1992b). AEERL is also responsible for demonstrating innovative
approaches to control waste CH4 such as the application of fuel cell technology to also recover energy
from landfill gas (Sandelli, 1992).
To help promote and encourage landfill gas (LFG) utilization, case studies of six different sites
were conducted. The final report (Augenstein and Pacey, 1992) contains detailed information on the six
LFG-lo-energy projects. In addition, the report provides information on 42 other LFG-to-energy
projects including four projects in the United Kingdom. This report is regarded as an "enabling" tool
that provides up-to-date information on the different options for LFG utilization for landfill owners and
operators, it also provides information on the economics, and technical and non-technical issues
regarding LFG utilization.
A follow-up technology transfer project is focusing on the technical issues associated with gas
cleanup and energy equipment modifications for LFG application. The different philosophies of the major
U.S. developers and operators are provided, along with information on European projects. The EPA
report for this project is expected to be published in the spring of 1994. This technology transfer
project is intended to help ensure that future utilization projects are designed and operated using the
most up-to-date knowledge and information on gas cleanup and energy equipment modifications.
There are emerging technologies for waste CH4 utilization. Fuel cells are considered an ideal
solution for LFG utilization, particularly where there is concern for emissions of nitrogen oxides and
carbon monoxide. The EPA/AEERL initiated a project in 1991 to demonstrate the use of fuel cells to
recover energy from LFG at a site in California. The advantages with the use of fuel cells include higher
energy efficiency, availability to smaller as well as larger landfills, minimal by-product emissions,
minimal labor and maintenance, and minimal noise impact (i.e., because there are no moving parts).
The type of fuel cell being demonstrated for LFG application is the commercially available 200 kWe
phosphoric acid fuel cell power plant. A 1-year full-scale demonstration is scheduled for completion in
1994 (Sandelli, 1992).

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The major technical issue associated with the application of fuel cells lo LFG is finding a gas
cleanup system that effectively and economically cleans the gas to the fuel cell's stringent requirements.
Landfill gas composition can be quite variable as to the type of constituents and concentration. Chloride
and sulfur compounds are quite common. "Slugs" of condensate have also been known to cause havoc at
gas turbine and internal combustion engine projects (Augenstein and Pacey, 1992). If this project is
successful, it will provide a more environmentally attractive option for waste CH4 utilization that is
also more energy efficient.
Other emerging technologies for LFG include the production of liquid diesel fuel such as the
process in Pueblo, Colorado, that began operation last year. A second site in the U.S. has been proposed
to produce vehicular fuel from LFG. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has awarded a
contract to demonstrate a process for producing methanol from LFG. The site selected for this
demonstration is the BKK landfill, where there was co-disposal of hazardous and municipal waste. This
demonstration which is scheduled to begin in 1994, is to be conducted for 1 year.
The EPA is developing a report on innovative technologies for waste CH4 utilization. This report
is expected to be published in 1994. Opportunities for future demonstrations of innovative technologies
are being considered. Efforts are also ongoing to identify the existing technical and nontechnical
barriers that affect waste CH4 utilization.
SUMMARY
Landfill CH4 is a major source of CH4 particularly in the U.S. where emissions contribute about
50 percent (i.e., -15 Tg) of the estimate of total global landfill CH4. Because landfill CH4 is amenable to
cost-effective control, clarification of the emission potential and opportunities for control has been
given a high priority. The U.S. EPA Is issuing final regulations for MSW landfills that are expected to
result in a reduction of 7 to 10 Tg/yr of CH4. Controlling CH4 from landfills is regarded as a significant
step toward reaching the goals established in 1992 at the UNCED. Research being conducted by EPA's
AEERL is designed to help with the successful implementation of the regulations affecting U.S. MSW
landfills and to help encourage the utilization of landfill CH4, both nationally and internationally.
References
Ahmed, M.F. 1986. Recycling of Solid Wastes in Dhaka. In: Waste Management in Developing
Countries, 1, K.J. Thome-Kozmiensky, ed. EF-Verlag fur Energie und Umwelttechnik GmbH, Berlin,
pp. 169-173.
Augenstein, D. and Pacey, J. 1992. "Landfill Gas Energy Utilization: Technology Options and Case
Studies." Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Air
and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory. EPA-600/R-92-116 (NTIS PB92-203116), June
1992.
Bariaz, M.A. 1991. "Landfill Gas Research in the United States: Previous Research and Future
Directions." Proc. of the Landfill Microbiology Research and Development Workshop, United Kingdom
Department of Energy, London, England, November 1991.
Bartone, C.R., Leite, L., Triche, T., and Schertenleib, R. 1991. Private sector participation in
municipal solid waste service: Experiences in Latin America. Waste Management and Research.
9:495-509.
1 2

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Bartone, C.R. 1990a. Economic and Policy issues in Resource Recovery from Municipal Solid Wastes,
Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 4:7-23.
Bartone, C.R. 1990b. Urban wastewater disposal and pollution control: Emerging issues for sub-
Saharan Africa. Proceedings of the African Infrastructure Symposium, The World Bank, Baltimore,
MD, 01/08-09/90. p. 6.
Bartone, C.R. 1990c. Investing in Environmental Improvements Through Municipal Solid Waste
Management. Paper presented at the WHO/PEPAS Regional Workshop on National Solid Waste Action
Planning, Kuala Lumpur, 02/26/90-03/02/90.
Bartone, C.R. 1990d. Economic and Policy Issues in Resource Recovery from Municipal Solid Wastes.
Resour. Conserva. Recylc., 4:7-23.
Bartone, C.R. and Haley, C. 1990. The Bled Symposium: Introduction. Resour. Conserva. Recycl.,
4:1-6.
Bateman, C.S. 1988. Landfill Gas Development in Australia. Y.R. Alston and G.E. Richards, eds. In:
Proceedings of the International Conference on Landfill Gas and Anaerobic Digestion of Solid Waste.
October 4-7, Harwell Laboratory, Oxfordshire, U.K. pp. 156-161.
Beker, D. 1990. Sanitary Landfilling in the Netherlands. In: International Perspectives on Municipal
Solid Wastes and Sanitary Landfilling, J.S. Carra, and R. Cossu, eds. Academic Press, New York, NY.
pp. 139-155.
Bhide, A.D., Gaikwad, S.A., and Alone, BZ. 1990. Methane from land disposal sites in India.
Proceedings of the International Workshop on CH4 Emissions from Natural Gas Systems, Coal Mining and
Waste Management Systems. Environment Agency of Japan, the U.S. Agency for International
Development, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. 04/09-13/90.
Bhide, A.D. and Sundaresan, B.B. 1990. Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries, pp. 14-21.
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Carra, J.S., and Cossu, R. 1990. International Perspectives on Municipal Solid Wastes and Sanitary
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Cossu, R. 1990a. Sanitary Landfilling in Japan. In: International Perspectives on Municipal Solid
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Cossu, R., and Urbini, G. 1990. Sanitary Landfilling in Italy. In: International Perspectives on
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from Landfills in Canada. Prepared for Environment Canada, Hull, Quebec, pp. 25-69.
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prepared for IPCC by Working Group I.
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IPCC. 1992. Climate Change 1992. The Supplementary Report to the IPCC Scientific Assessment.
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at^dt T=> mo TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
J\ .fci.Ejrt.l_/- r~ illo (Please read Instructions on the reverse before complt
1. REPORT NO. 2.
EPA/600/A-9Z/24Q
3
4. TITLE ANO SUBTITLE
Landfill Gas and Its Influence on Global Climate
Change
5. REPORT DATE
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
Susan A. Thorneloe
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
See Block 12
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
NA (inhouse)
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
EPA, Office of Research and Development
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Book Chapter; 1990-93
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/13
15. supplementary NOTES AEERL pr0iect officer is Susan A. Thorneloe, Mail Drop 63, 919/
541-2709. A chapter in "Landfilling of Waste: Gas, and presented at Sardinia '93,
C3£li«ri. Italv. 10/13/93.
16 ASSTRACT
The chapter describes the relative importance of landfills to global warming
and identifies the major sources of uncertainty with current emission estimates. It
also provides an overview of EPA's research program on global landfill methane,
including developing more reliable estimates of global landfill methane emissions,
characterizing the current state of technology for controlling and utilizing landfill
methane, and demonstrating innovative technologies for mitigating and utilizing land-
fill methane. Landfills are considered a major source of methane, which is a potent
greenhouse gas. Because this source is amenable to cost effective control measures,
research designed to reduce the uncertainty associated with methane emissions esti-
mates has been given high priority. The methane can be either flared or utilized for
its energy potential. Lanfills contribute an estimated 20-40 Tg/yr of methane. :
17. KEY WORDS ANO DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
a. DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COS ATI Field/Group
Pollution
Methane
Earth Fills
Estimating
Greenhouse Effect
Combustion
Pollution Control
Stationary Sources
Global Climate Change
Flaring
13	B
07C
13C
14	G
04A
21B
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to Public
19. SECURITY CLASS {This Report)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
17
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)

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