GreenTalk - Spring / Summer 1996

Reusing a Natural Phenomenon

Landfills have been around for years to collect municipal solid waste. When waste decomposes, methane gas, volatile organic compounds, substances that cause smog, and other air toxics are produced. Methane gas, a greenhouse gas, has been considered hazardous because of its explosive nature. Unfortunately, the production of methane gas is inevitable, but now there is a way to capture this gas and turn it into efficient energy.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 750 landfills exist across the nation. The gas produced from these landfills could produce enough electicity to power 3 million homes. By using methane as energy, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equivalent to taking 14 million cars off the road. In addition, turning this landfill gas into energy prevents additional pollution, such as sulfur dioxide.

According to the U.S. EPA, there are currently 120 energy recovery projects across the country. These projects capture methane in one of four ways: conversion to electricity through combustion engine and turbines; injection into natural gas pipelines; direct use in industrial processes and greenhouses; and compression for vehicle fuel. These processes are complicated, but the bottom line is that they reuse the landfill gas that would normally be emitted inot the air we breathe.

Not only does recapturing landfill gas help the environment, but it also saves money. A case in point is Glendale, Calif. The City of Glandale will receive $40 million in benefits during the first 20 years of operation, including lower fuel costs and royalties. Glendale successfully piped methane gas from a landfill 5.5 miles away to generate enough electricity for 30,000 homes. They use about 8 million cubic feet of landfill gas each day.

The American Telephone & Telegraph's (AT&T) manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio uses about 1 million cubic feet of landfill gas per day to fuel its boiler. The steam from the boiler provides space heat and hot water for the facility. This practice has saved AT&T $120,000 per year in fuel costs.

The landfill gas recapture program is recycling at its best. Not only are harmful emissions eliminated, but utility companies, industries and local governments can reap financial benefits. This program is a win for the environment and for business.