ENERGY RECOVERY FROM SANITARY LANDFILLS - A REVIEW

The state-of-the-art of in-situ methane production and extraction from municipal solid waste landfills is reviewed. Characteristics of municipal solid waste and the landfill environment are discussed in light of their influence on methane gas generation. Gas extraction and cleaning methods currently being used are presented and options available for gas utilization are cited. Current experiences with large-scale extraction from California landfills are cited. A preliminary evaluation of this potential source of energy is given in light of net energy yields.