What is a landfill gas well?

Landfill gas (LFG) is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic material in landfills. LFG is composed of roughly 50 percent methane (the primary component of natural gas), 50 percent carbon dioxide (CO2) and a small amount of non-methane organic compounds.

What is landfill gas recovery?

Landfill gas (LFG) recovery is the process by which methane gas is collected from solid waste deposited in a landfill. LFG is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic material in landfills. The composition of LFG is about 50% methane, 50% carbon dioxide, and a small amount of non-methane organic compounds.

What is a landfill gas collection system?

Gas Collection and Control Systems (GCCS) are a common and major component of most sanitary landfills. They are designed to help control odors, minimize non-methanogenic organic compound releases to the atmosphere, and increase safety by controlling migration.

What is landfill gas used for?

The gases produced within a landfill can be collected and used in various ways. The landfill gas can be utilized directly on-site by a boiler or any type of combustion system, providing heat. Electricity can also be generated on-site through the use of microturbines, steam turbines, or fuel cells.

What type of gas is released in landfills?

Landfill gas contains many different gases. Methane and carbon dioxide make up 90 to 98% of landfill gas. The remaining 2 to 10% includes nitrogen, oxygen, ammonia, sulfides, hydrogen and various other gases. Landfill gases are produced when bacteria break down organic waste.

Which is the most serious immediate problem associated with sanitary landfills?

The largest issue associated with sanitary landfills is the risk of pollution. As waste breaks down, methane gas is created, and if it escapes from the landfill, it could pollute the air. In addition, methane gas can be dangerous if it builds up in the landfill because it is flammable and could be explosive.

How can we stop landfill gas?

Odor control technologies prevent odor-causing gases from leaving the landfill. Installing a landfill cover will prevent odors from newly deposited waste or from gases produced during bacterial decomposition. Covering a landfill daily with soil can help reduce odors from newly deposited wastes.

How is landfill gas managed?

Combustion is the most common technique for controlling and treating landfill gas. Combustion technologies such as flares, incinerators, boilers, gas turbines, and internal combustion engines thermally destroy the compounds in landfill gas. Over 98% destruction of organic compounds is typically achieved.

How do you manage landfill gas?

What are benefits of landfills?

Advantages of Landfills

• Landfills are an Excellent Energy Source.
• Modern Landfills are Eco-friendly.
• Keep Cities, Towns, and Districts Clean.
• Keeps Hazardous Waste Segregated.
• Landfills are Cheap.
• Landfills Support Jobs and Local Business.

What gas can be produced from a landfill?

Which is the most common gas released from the landfill?

Methane and carbon dioxide make up 90 to 98% of landfill gas. The remaining 2 to 10% includes nitrogen, oxygen, ammonia, sulfides, hydrogen and various other gases. Landfill gases are produced when bacteria break down organic waste.

What are the best practices for landfill gas?

Landfill Gas Energy Basics Landfill Gas Modeling Project Technology Options Project Economics and Financing Landfill Gas Contracts and Regulations Best Practices for Landfill Gas Collection System Design and Installation Best Practices for Landfill Gas Collection System Operation and Maintenance Evaluating and Working with Project Partners

How is landfill gas collected in a passive system?

Passive systems use collection wells, also referred to as extraction wells, to collect landfill gas. The collection wells are typically constructed of perforated or slotted plastic and are installed vertically throughout the landfill to depths ranging from 50% to 90% of the waste thickness.

How does gas composition change in a landfill?

Gas composition changes with each phase and waste in a landfill may be undergoing several phases of decomposition at once. The time after placement scale (total time and phase duration) varies with landfill conditions. Figure adapted from ATSDR 2008. Chapter 2: Landfill Gas Basics.

When do landfills need to take corrective action?

If methane emissions exceed the permitted limits, corrective action (i. e., installation of a landfill gas collection system) must be taken. The Subtitle D RCRA regulations for MSW landfills can be found in 40 CFR Part 258, which can be viewed through EPA’s Office of Solid Waste Web page at