State Report Provides Key Findings For Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Landfills

SACRAMENTO--The California Integrated Waste Management Board released a report which helps California landfill operators reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

The report, "Technologies and Management Practices for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Landfills," recommends best management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills in California.

"There is a strong link between reducing waste and to the reduction of greenhouse gases," states Board Chair Margo Reid Brown. "California has achieved 54 percent waste reduction which translates to more than 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent."

"Landfills are the number one generator of methane gas--considered to be 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide in releasing greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming. In addition, more efficient methods of capturing the gas from landfills could contribute another 5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2020," said Brown.

The landfill GHG Best Management Practices will provide guidance which could be used on a voluntary basis by operators throughout the state.

The Waste Board reports that 93.5 percent of total landfill waste is contained in landfills which have approved landfill gas collection and control systems that combust and destroy methane with flares and energy recovery systems. Without controls, landfills would release approximately one-third of all methane gas generated in California.

The final report is posted on the Board’s Climate Change website.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the state's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes reducing waste whenever possible, managing all materials to their highest and best use and protecting public health and safety and the environment.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

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