Solutions

There are millions of tons of organic waste in landfills today creating climate-harming emissions. the U.s. epa and states have the power to update existing regulations and better limit these emissions today.

There are proven, cost-effective practices and technologies that would significantly mitigate methane emissions from landfills. These solutions are missing from the federal air emissions requirements currently in place for certain landfills, known as the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emissions Guidelines (EG) for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills.

It’s past time for the EPA to update these rules to ensure:

• Adequate landfill cover and maintenance

• Comprehensive gas capture at all landfills capable of generating gas

• Strong gas collection and control operational standards and more comprehensive emissions monitoring

Gas capture should never come at the expense of organics diversion, which is the most effective way to prevent methane. Several states such as Maryland, California and Oregon have already adopted stronger standards that other states—and the EPA—can draw from. For example, the Maryland Department of Environment has issued rules that would do a better job limiting methane emissions from landfills - they estimate a 25-50 percent reduction in emissions from the landfills that fall under the rule once it’s in full effect.

WE can ALL DO OUR part to reduce waste.

In 2021, according to ReFed, a whopping $310 billion was spent on food that was wasted, and the majority of food that is wasted ends up in the landfill, which contributes to methane emissions. Farmers, restaurants, businesses and consumers all have a part to play to limit waste - start with these simple tips. ‘Upstream’ policies preventing waste such as better food labeling and food donation liability reforms and incentives are important as well.

state and local governments can provide the needed resources, tools and policies to stop new methane emissions from landfills.

While waste prevention efforts should be scaled up, some waste will occur. The most effective way to lower methane emissions from landfills from that waste is to stop organic waste from being landfilled: The EPA estimates a 95% methane reduction efficiency through composting and anerobic digestion compared to landfilling. It’s vital to enact laws requiring organics diversion from landfills to composting, along with food donation requirements, community composting, composting infrastructure development, and financial resources dedicated to outreach, education and implementation.

Washington and California are the latest states to pass laws that institute organics diversion goals, food rescue and municipal-run organics recycling programs. More than 20 states have enacted yard waste disposal bans. And states such as Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island have all adopted state organic waste bans for large commercial organic waste generators under certain circumstances.

Policymakers must take care to not reinforce inequities: changing the status quo from landfilling and incineration represents a significant opportunity to center communities in designing the solution, and ensuring equitable economic and job opportunities.

Many states and cities across the country are taking action. Find out what’s in place in your community and what more could be done.