Overview

• Over half of US landfills surveyed are super-emitting sources of methane, demonstrating a significant opportunity for climate change action.
• The largest assessment of its kind reveals landfills to be the third-largest source of US methane emissions, with emissions rates 1.4 times higher than EPA estimates.
• Persistent methane leaks at landfills highlight the need for targeted mitigation efforts, contrasting with the short-duration events observed in the oil and gas sector.
• Advanced monitoring technologies, including aerial and satellite surveys, offer a more accurate picture of landfill methane emissions than traditional methods.
• The study suggests a shift in policy focus towards landfill emissions could be crucial for meeting climate targets, alongside ongoing efforts in the oil and gas industry.