Estimating and enhancing methane yield from municipal solid waste

Methane gas is an energy source that can be produced from the decomposition of organic materials in municipal solid waste landfills. The feasibility of exploiting this source of energy is continually increasing due to continuing trends in population increase and urbanization resulting in significant increases in solid waste production and potential methane generation. Indeed, during the last decade, there has been considerable growth in the number of landfill gas recovery and utilization systems. This paper describes estimation methods used in assessing methane yield and generation rates from municipal solid waste landfills. Parameters affecting methane generation rates and models used to predict these rates are described. The effect of controlling the refuse bacterial content as a management practice to enhance methane yield was evaluated using a gas generation-microbial growth model that is based on the sequential degradation of organic materials in anaerobic systems.