The natural degradation of organic matter in a landfill creates gas. This gas is about 50% methane (CH4) and 50% carbon dioxide (CO2) and is burned by flaring or use as a fuel. Burning the landfill gas reduces its global warming potential by converting the methane to carbon dioxide and water vapor. Methane has a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide or water vapor. Global warming potential is a concept developed to compare the ability of each greenhouse gas to trap heat in the atmosphere relative to another gas. An alternative to flaring is to use the methane as a fuel source for the production of electricity. The gas can be converted into electricity through the use of a microturbine or fuel cell. It also may be burned for heating purposes.
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