Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill: virtual
tour
What conditions affect landfill gas production?
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The rate and volume of landfill gas produced at a specific site depend
on the characteristics of thewaste (e.g., composition and age of
the refuse) and a number of environmental factors (e.g., the presence
of oxygen in the landfill, moisture content, and temperature).
 Waste
composition
The more organic waste present in a landfill, the more landfill gas (e.g., carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide) is produced by the bacteria
during decomposition. The more chemicals disposed of in the landfill, the more
likely NMOCs and other gases will be produced either through volatilization or
chemical reactions.
 Age
of refuse
Generally, more recently buried waste (i.e., waste buried less than 10 years)
produces more landfill gas through bacterial decomposition, volatilization, and
chemical reactions than does older waste (buried more than 10 years). Peak gas
production usually occurs from 5 to 7 years after it is buried.
Presence of oxygen in the landfill. Methane will be produced only when oxygen
is no longer present in the landfill.
 Moisture
content
The presence of moisture (unsaturated conditions) in a landfill increases gas
production because it encourages bacterial decomposition. Moisture may also promote
chemical reactions that produce gases.
Temperature
As the landfill’s temperature rises, bacterial activity increases,
resulting in increased gas production. Increased temperature may
also increase rates of volatilization and chemical reactions.
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