Landfill Gas is generated naturally through the decomposition of organic matter buried in a landfill. Landfill gas is composed of 50% methane, 45% carbon dioxide, and 5% others (hydrogen sulfide, VOC, etc.). Vertical or horizontal wells are placed throughout the landfill. The gas is pulled to a central processing facility or blower/flare station where the methane gas is burned or sent to the on-site glass blowing studio, clay studio, or the boilers.We burn the excess gas, as storing it is not feasible.

     Most of us are aware of the so-called greenhouse effect and global warming. Methane is considered a strong greenhouse gas. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) figures the global warming potential (GWP) of methane, (a measure that uses carbon dioxide as a reference gas) is 21. A GPW of 21 means that over a period of 100 years, methane is 21 times more effective at trapping heat in theatmosphere than carbon dioxide. By removing and combusting methane from landfill gas, communities can help mitigate the potential damage from global warming. Landfill gas-to-energy projects provide communities with a low cost and responsible source of energy (compared to fossil fuels) and can contribute to the reduction of hazards and foul odors associated with landfills.

     According to EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program, in the year 2000, landfill-gas-to-energy projects prevented the released of 4.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. This is the equivalent of removing 2.8 millions cars from the road.