??Addressing Methane Emissions from Landfills: A Sustainable Approach ??

Landfills are major methane emitters in Europe, despite a relatively strong policy framework in place. To further reduce methane emissions, we must focus on 5 key areas within the EU context:

1?? Maximising Biowaste Diversion: While the separate collection obligation for biowaste (beginning in 2024) is a step in the right direction, it's not sufficient by itself to ensure maximised diversion. This needs to be complemented by legally binding targets on biowaste diversion. These targets should be defined as the amounts of organics present in residual waste, aiming to promote not just separate collection but also higher tiers such as food recovery programs and other prevention measures (e.g., using grass clippings as natural mulches on-site and home composting). This approach will ensure that we not only collect biowaste separately but also maximize its reuse and minimize its disposal.

2?? Enforcing policies and strategies for pretreatment of residuals before landfilling, through biological stabilisation: After all efforts to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost, there's still residual waste. We can significantly minimize CH4 emissions from landfills by promoting biological stabilisation of this waste. By doing so, we capture organic material that might otherwise release methane into the atmosphere.

3?? Optimizing Anaerobic Digestion: Anaerobic digestion has its benefits, but it should complement composting, not replace it. Composting is faster, cheaper, and more scalable in many regions. To avoid methane leaks, we should pre-compost the digestate before using it. This ensures a sensible and sustainable approach to anaerobic digestion.

4?? Funding Policy Alignment: Funding must align with waste management priorities. We need to prioritize prevention programs and separate collection methods in our funding policies. This encourages sustainable waste management practices that reduce methane emissions.

5?? Piloting Zero Waste Schemes: Cities and communities can make an immediate impact by piloting and mainstreaming zero waste schemes. These initiatives create valuable reference cases that can influence policy-making and inspire others to follow suit.

By addressing these key areas, we can effectively tackle methane emissions from landfills without resorting to waste incineration. ???? #sustainability #zerowaste #methaneemissions #wastemanagement #climateaction