An impact analysis of landfill for waste disposal on climate change: Case study of ‘Sudokwon Landfill Site 2nd Landfill’ in Korea

Abstract

The impact of waste landfill on climate change was analyzed by comparing the amount of CH₄ emission from landfill with the potential energy conversion. For this analysis, compulsive collection and surface emission amount of CH₄ were used against Sudokwon Landfill Site 2nd Landfill, which is currently under operation in the Republic of Korea. As a result of the estimation, the total CH₄ amount which can be collected from the Sudokwon Landfill Site 2nd Landfill during 2001–2035 is 3,068×10⁶ N m³. During the same period, the total CH₄ emission amount from the landfill slope, intermediate covering and final covering is 899×10⁶ N m³. Especially, 95% (854×10⁶ N m³) of the total surface emission is emitted during the landfill period 2001–2015. After final covering, in the period of 2016–2035, only 5.0% (45×10⁶ N m³) is emitted. Additionally, as a result of analysis by comparing the surface emission amount from the route of the slope, intermediate covering and final covering, 92.8% (834×10⁶ N m³) of CH₄ is emitted from intermediate covering during landfill operation. The CH₄ emission from the surface of Sudokwon Landfill Site 2nd Landfill during 2001–2035 can be converted to 32.9×10⁶ Ton in CO₂ bases. On the other hand, on CO₂ bases, the reduction amount of global warming gas by converting compulsorily collected CH₄ to energy source is about 19–33% of surface emitted CH₄. It can be concluded that to improve the landfill method as a waste treatment methodology which can better adapt to the climate changes, various research and development on the intermediate covering system along with the fundamental enhancement on present landfill facility establishment standards and operating guidelines are required.