Possibilities of gas utilization with special emphasis on small sanitary landfills

Summary Based on general observations on gas production in sanitary landfills, properties of some important landfill gases are discussed, especially with regard to the potential heat recovery. It has been shown, based on practice oriented considerations, that the utilization of landfill gases can be worthwhile even in small landfills. A scheme has been given which shows all the possibilities for collection, pretreatment, storage and combustion of the gases. The question of energy storage and energy utilization has also been addressed. The scheme has been discussed, as well as some of the processes, using the example of the hot water generation plant in the Croglio sanitary landfill in Tessin (Switzerland).Calculation of the running costs shows that this plant, which is designed for a 335 MJ/h production, is working economically.