Colorado landfills are a significant source of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. As the state pushes to cut 90% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it is preparing new regulations aimed at reducing methane leakage from landfills. The proposed rules could place Colorado at the forefront of landfill emission control in the U.S., surpassing current federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Methane is a critical contributor to climate change, with a warming potential over 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Colorado’s 51 active landfills collectively emitted 1.45 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2020, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. However, experts argue that actual emissions could be much higher.
A recent NASA study using satellite data revealed that U.S. landfills emit 50% more methane than the EPA estimates. In Colorado, landfills contribute approximately 1% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions but remain the third-largest methane source, following oil and gas production and livestock farming.
Katherine Blauvelt, director of the circular economy at Industrious Labs, noted the substantial impact of landfill emissions, saying, "Colorado landfills are responsible for the equivalent of 1 million cars on the road. Every bit of methane prevented has a positive impact."
The Air Quality Control Commission plans to introduce new rules to regulate smaller landfills, expanding beyond the EPA’s focus on large facilities. Potential measures include:
Tim Taylor, a supervisor in Colorado’s climate change program, highlighted the need for these updates, explaining that current landfill monitoring technology is outdated compared to advancements in other industries like oil and gas.
Reducing landfill methane emissions offers several co-benefits. It would improve air quality along the Front Range, an area already in violation of federal ozone standards. Additionally, it could address environmental justice issues, as landfills are often located near communities with predominantly Latino, Black, or Indigenous populations.
Suzanne Jones, executive director of Eco-Cycle, emphasized the broader implications of these actions: "Methane reduction is a cost-effective climate solution and an opportunity to use Colorado’s expertise in methane monitoring as a model for the nation."
While environmental advocates support the proposed regulations, the landfill industry has raised concerns about monitoring methods and fluctuating emissions. Melissa Quillard, a spokesperson for Republic Services, a company operating several Colorado landfills, stressed that emissions can vary daily due to factors like weather and waste composition.
Republic Services has already adopted methane capture systems at some sites and is developing projects to convert landfill gas into usable natural gas. However, the company contends that emerging monitoring tools like drones and satellites provide only snapshots of emissions, potentially leading to inconsistent reporting.
While the new rules focus on air pollution, reducing organic waste sent to landfills is equally vital. Environmental groups like GreenLatinos advocate for expanded composting and recycling programs to complement methane reduction efforts.
Brian Loma, hazardous waste advocate for GreenLatinos Colorado, pointed out the importance of reducing organic waste, stating, "The No. 1 way to reduce methane emissions is to not put organic material in the landfill."
