Which greenhouse gas is released by landfill sites?

Landfill sites are significant sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is produced during the decomposition of organic waste in anaerobic (low-oxygen) conditions. When organic materials like food waste, paper, and yard debris break down without sufficient oxygen, they create methane instead of carbon dioxide. Methane is much more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, making it a concern for climate change.

Understanding the process of anaerobic decomposition is crucial in recognizing why methane is primarily released from landfills. The specific conditions within a landfill, including the compacted layers of waste and limited oxygen availability, promote this type of decomposition, leading to the production of methane. This is why managing waste in landfill sites is critical in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.

In contrast, while carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide can also be released from landfill operations, their primary sources and mechanisms of production differ. Carbon dioxide is produced through the aerobic decomposition of organic matter and from fossil fuel use in landfill operations. Nitrous oxide, although a greenhouse gas, is not typically associated directly with the decomposition processes in landfills. Ozone, on the other hand, is not emitted directly from landfills but is a secondary pollutant formed