Reducing waste management’s contribution to climate change: From post-landfilling methane capture to pre-landfill methane prevention

The report addresses global waste management challenges, particularly methane emissions from landfills.

In 2020, 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste were generated, with 62% managed at controlled facilities and nearly half landfilled. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributes to global warming from biodegrading landfill waste. Traditional gas capture methods are often ineffective, prompting a need for improved strategies.

Biostabilisation, similar to composting, reduces methane production, rendering gas capture unnecessary. Mechanical Recovery and Biological Treatment (MRBT) enhances this by extracting recyclables from leftover waste, aligning with circular economy principles and effectively mitigating climate impact.

Available in English.