Impact of Waste Transportation to Landfills on LEED Green Associate Certification Under USGBC

Landfills, a common feature in many urban landscapes, have long been a source of concern for environmentalists and climate scientists alike. The reason? Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is one of the harmful gases produced in these waste disposal sites.

Methane, chemically known as CH4, is generated biologically during the decomposition of organic waste in landfills. This anaerobic decomposition, which occurs in the absence of oxygen, is a natural process but one that contributes significantly to climate change.

Methane is many times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) in terms of its global warming potential. Over a 100-year period, methane has a global warming potential 28 times higher than carbon dioxide. This means that even small amounts of methane can have a disproportionately large impact on the Earth's climate.

The release of methane into the atmosphere occurs when organic materials like food waste, paper, and yard trimmings break down in the oxygen-deprived environment of a landfill. In addition to methane, landfills also produce other harmful gases such as CO2 and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Hydrogen sulfide arises from reactions involving substances like gypsum in certain conditions.

Landfills, therefore, have several negative impacts on the environment. They are one of the largest anthropogenic sources of methane emissions in the United States. The good news is that there are ways to mitigate these emissions. For instance, capturing and incinerating methane can help reduce its release into the atmosphere, although it still results in greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, the production of methane from landfills is a significant contributor to climate change. As we strive to combat global warming, it is crucial to address the issue of methane emissions from landfills and find sustainable solutions to manage waste disposal.