Modeling Waste Management Options for Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Abstract

Solid waste management requires that new concerns regarding climate change be considered. The utility of the Scholl Canyon model to determine greenhouse gas generation for different waste management options at specific sites is explored in this paper looking at Brady Road Landfill in Winnipeg, Canada. Determination of the feasibility of methane recovery for Brady Road Landfill required three steps: 1) measuring landfill gas composition and site conditions; 2) inputting field data as constants, as well as accepted constants, into the Scholl Canyon model to determine gas generation under different waste management options such as different composting programs; and 3) comparing greenhouse gas production according to the Scholl Canyon model. Modeling results indicate that it is feasible to recover methane at Brady Road Landfill under different waste management scenarios that include a composting program that is highly successful in diverting waste. Estimates of gas generation at Brady Road Landfill show it is possible and lucrative to harvest landfill gas, with or without composting, which would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Keywords: Climate change, landfill gas, methane, methane recovery, waste management