US Landfills Identified as Major Methane Emission Sources

Recent study highlights over half of US landfills as significant methane emitters, pointing to a critical opportunity for climate change mitigation.

Over half of US landfills surveyed are super-emitting sources of methane, demonstrating a significant opportunity for climate change action.
The largest assessment of its kind reveals landfills to be the third-largest source of US methane emissions, with emissions rates 1.4 times higher than EPA estimates.
Persistent methane leaks at landfills highlight the need for targeted mitigation efforts, contrasting with the short-duration events observed in the oil and gas sector.
Advanced monitoring technologies, including aerial and satellite surveys, offer a more accurate picture of landfill methane emissions than traditional methods.
The study suggests a shift in policy focus towards landfill emissions could be crucial for meeting climate targets, alongside ongoing efforts in the oil and gas industry.