Closed Landfills

Closed landfills can continue to pose environmental challenges long after they have been officially closed. As organic waste decomposes anaerobically, it emits methane. This process does not cease with the landfill's closure; instead, organic waste continues to break down, producing landfill gas as a byproduct. Additionally, the settling and compaction of waste materials create voids within the landfill, allowing gases to escape. These same voids also facilitate the infiltration of rainwater into the subsurface, leading to the formation of leachate, and exacerbating decomposition and gas production.

Measuring methane emissions from closed landfills is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps protect the environment by ensuring that harmful gases do not contaminate the surrounding areas. Monitoring emissions also plays a significant role in safety; since methane is a flammable gas, tracking its concentration is essential to prevent potential explosions or fire hazards. Furthermore, understanding gas emissions is vital for effective gas management. This knowledge can inform the design of gas collection systems that capture and utilize methane for energy production, thus transforming a waste product into a resource.

Lastly, long-term monitoring of methane emissions is necessary to assess the effectiveness of closure and post-closure care. This ongoing evaluation can inform future management strategies, ensuring that closed landfills do not become a lingering source of environmental concern.