The Challenge
Landfill gas generated at municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills consists predominantly of methane and carbon dioxide. Methane, which is a greenhouse gas, is 21 times more detrimental to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Landfills must meet federal and state regulations to control landfill gas emission and limit the amount of methane emitted from each landfill. 

The Solution
ARCADIS is working with the city of LaGrange, Georgia on an exciting cutting-edge project at the LaGrange Sanitary Landfill. The project begins with collecting the leachate from the landfill and reinjecting it into the waste mass.  This process increases the moisture content of landfill waste, which in turn accelerates biodegradation of the landfill material. Increased biodegradation leads to additional compaction of waste and more air space–very important for the community. Plus, a higher quality of landfill gas is produced, containing a higher methane content.

The higher quality methane gas then becomes a more viable renewable energy source.  The city of LaGrange plans to collect the gas and use it to produce electricity. The generated electricity will be tied into the City's power grid. While this is a costly process to implement, it actually saves money in the long run…and the small break it gives the environment is priceless.