Landfill Methane Calculator
Estimate methane emissions from organic waste decomposing in a landfill and its CO2 equivalent impact.
metric tons
m3 CH4/ton
%
Methane Emitted
3.6 metric tons CH4
CO2 Equivalent (GWP-100)100 metric tons CO2e
CO2 Equivalent (GWP-20)301 metric tons CO2e
Methane Collected3.6 metric tons CH4
Methane Emitted vs Annual Organic Waste
How to Calculate Landfill Methane Emissions
Organic waste in landfills decomposes anaerobically, producing methane.
Formula
Methane Generated = Waste (tons) * Yield (m3/ton)
Methane Emitted = Generated * (1 - Collection %)
CO2e = Methane * 28 (GWP-100)
The density of methane is approximately 0.000717 metric tons per m3 at standard conditions.
Example Calculation
100 tons of organic waste with 100 m3/ton methane yield and 50% collection.
- 01Total methane: 100 * 100 = 10,000 m3
- 02Emitted: 10,000 * 50% = 5,000 m3
- 03Emitted in tons: 5,000 * 0.000717 = 3.6 metric tons CH4
- 04CO2 equivalent: 3.6 * 28 = 100 metric tons CO2e