Landfills, traditionally viewed as repositories for unwanted waste, are evolving into resource management centers. Modern engineering and technological advancements are revealing unforeseen advantages associated with the controlled decomposition of refuse within these sites. The shift is moving away from simply burying waste towards harnessing its potential for energy production and resource recovery.
The practice allows for the capture of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas released during decomposition. This captured gas can then be used as a renewable energy source, either directly to generate electricity or processed into pipeline-quality natural gas. Furthermore, landfill mining, the excavation of previously buried waste, is gaining traction as a method to recover valuable materials such as metals and plastics for recycling, effectively extending the lifespan of other resources.
