Landfill Methane Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the landfill methane calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Landfill Methane Calculator

Formulas Used

Methane Emitted

methane_emitted = emitted_tons

CO2 Equivalent (GWP-100)

co2_equivalent = emitted_tons * 28

CO2 Equivalent (GWP-20)

co2e_gwp20 = emitted_tons * 84

Methane Collected

collected = total_methane_m3 * collection_pct / 100 * 0.000717

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
organic_waste_tonsAnnual Organic Waste(metric tons)100
methane_yieldMethane Yield(m3 CH4/ton)100
collection_pctMethane Collection Efficiency(%)50
total_methane_m3Derived value= organic_waste_tons * methane_yieldcalculated
emitted_m3Derived value= total_methane_m3 * (1 - collection_pct / 100)calculated
emitted_tonsDerived value= emitted_m3 * 0.000717calculated

How It Works

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.

Worked Example

100 tons of organic waste with 100 m3/ton methane yield and 50% collection.

organic_waste_tons = 100methane_yield = 100collection_pct = 50
  1. 01Total methane: 100 * 100 = 10,000 m3
  2. 02Emitted: 10,000 * 50% = 5,000 m3
  3. 03Emitted in tons: 5,000 * 0.000717 = 3.6 metric tons CH4
  4. 04CO2 equivalent: 3.6 * 28 = 100 metric tons CO2e

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Landfill Methane Calculator