Landfill Gas FAQs

Source: Landfills+, Inc.

What is landfill gas?

Landfill gas (LFG) is a biogas consisting of 50–60% (v/v) methane. The remaining 40–50% (v/v) is primarily carbon dioxide with numerous trace components. LFG is generated in landfills by a complex, but naturally-occurring, series of microbial reactions under anaerobic conditions (absence of air). The terminal reaction is the production of methane by methanogenic microorganisms.

Can landfill gas be a cost-effective renewable energy resource?

Yes, landfill gas has been used for:

• Industrial or commercial process heating in gas-fired boilers…
• On-site electrical generation using internal combustion engines, gas turbines, microturbines, or steam turbines...
• Production of a substitute natural gas for pipeline transport...
• Production of CNG for fleet vehicles...

When was landfill gas recovery first commercialized?

In 1975 at the Palos Verdes Landfill in southern California.

How many commercial projects exist today?

Approximately 400 in the U.S. and over 1,100 worldwide.

How is landfill gas recovered?

Vertical wells are installed after a cell reaches final grade, or horizontal collection pipes are installed at intermediate levels before a cell reaches final grade. The vertical wells or horizontal lines are connected to a large diameter collection pipe (header), through which the gas is pumped, dehydrated, compressed, and treated (as needed) for a specific utilization option.