Landfill Gas

Landfill gas is generated when organic wastes in a municipal solid waste landfill decompose. The gas consists of about 50% methane (CH₄), the primary component of natural gas, about 50% of carbon dioxide (CO₂), and a small amount of non-methane organic compounds. Once produced, the gas can be collected by drilling a series of wells into the landfill and connected by a piping system network. The gas is then gathered and compressed for use in producing electricity.