Overview:
- Michigan is one of the top 10 states contributing to methane pollution from landfills, emitting significant amounts due to high waste volumes and out-of-state waste imports.
- Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, poses serious environmental and safety risks, with landfills being a major source in the U.S.
- Michigan is updating waste management laws to increase recycling, composting, and reduce food waste, with the goal of cutting landfill emissions and meeting climate targets.
A new interactive map from the Environmental Defense Fund reveals that Michigan is one of the top 10 states contributing to methane pollution from landfills.
EDF’s map, which combines satellite and advanced monitoring data, paints a stark picture. In 2021, the EPA estimated that landfills across the country emitted about 3.7 million metric tons of methane. However, EDF’s satellite analysis suggests the real figure could exceed 6 million metric tons.
What should I know about landfill methane?
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with 80 times more short-term warming power than carbon dioxide, significantly contributing to climate change. Municipal landfills, where organic waste like food scraps and wood decompose, are the third-largest source of methane emissions in the U.S.
Landfill gas, especially methane, poses serious explosion risks if it accumulates in confined spaces at concentrations between 5% and 15%. Landfills produce methane in large quantities, and while it is unlikely to explode within the landfill itself, it can become explosive as it migrates.
While methane is colorless and odorless, it can cause health and safety issues. Methane concentrations can reach dangerous levels in confined areas like basements or utility corridors. Other gases, such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, can also contribute to hazards but are less likely to reach explosive concentrations.
Landfills also emit other pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to respiratory problems, especially for people living near landfill sites.
Why is Michigan a top contributor to landfill methane pollution?
According to a report from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for fiscal year 2022, the state disposed of 57.8 million cubic yards of waste in municipal landfills.
As of 2022, Michigan reported about 45 active landfills. This waste load, combined with Michigan’s high volume of out-of-state waste imports, contributes to its high methane output.
The EPA’s ECHO database shows that as of late 2023, 90 landfills nationwide were operating in violation of environmental laws. Michigan reported issuing 44 violation notices to licensed disposal sites in 2022.
What actions is Michigan taking to reduce landfill emissions?
Michigan’s waste management overhaul, which took effect in March 2023, updated the state’s solid waste laws to emphasize recycling, composting, and resource reduction. A key change includes new county-level materials management plans requiring increased access to recycling and composting.
The state aims for a 45% recycling rate, with interim targets set for 2029. The updates also introduce stricter regulations for composting facilities and landfill operations to encourage better waste management practices across Michigan. Full implementation of the new rules will be gradual over several years.
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Decreasing food waste is increasingly recognized as a way to divert organic materials from landfills and reduce methane pollution. The Michigan Food Waste Policy Road Map outlines a plan to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, which aligns with Michigan’s climate goals.
The initiative targets waste reduction, food rescue and recycling strategies to cut emissions and recover economic value lost through Michigan’s food system inefficiencies. The roadmap also emphasizes the need to double the capacity of food donation programs while enhancing sustainability efforts across farms, businesses and food service sectors.
Another way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to install or upgrade gas collection systems to capture methane and convert it into energy. The byproducts of methane combustion are less potent greenhouse gases than pure methane. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program highlights landfill gas energy projects.
A push for stronger methane pollution standards
At this year’s White House Super Pollutants Summit, the EPA committed to updating national landfill emissions standards by 2025. If implemented, these updates could represent a significant victory for climate policy and public health, particularly for communities like Detroit disproportionately affected by landfill pollution.
EDF and 13 other advocacy groups are urging the EPA to take more decisive action. Their petition calls for more landfills to adopt gas collection and control systems and more comprehensive monitoring standards to better track emissions.
How can I learn more and get involved in landfill emissions issues?
Here are some organizations working on landfill issues in Michigan:
Michigan Environmental Council
- Focus: MEC advocates for policies that protect Michigan’s environment, including solid waste management and landfill regulations. They work on reducing waste, promoting recycling, and ensuring that landfills do not harm surrounding communities.
- Website: michiganenvironmentalcouncil.org
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
- Focus: The Sierra Club’s Michigan chapter addresses landfill and waste management issues as part of their larger environmental advocacy. They support reducing reliance on landfills, promoting zero-waste initiatives, and ensuring that landfills are not placed in vulnerable communities.
- Website: sierraclub.org/michigan
Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice
- Focus: DWEJ works on environmental justice issues in Detroit and has been involved in campaigns related to waste management and landfills, particularly addressing the disproportionate impacts on communities of color.
- Website: dwej.org
The Ecology Center
- Focus: Based in Ann Arbor, the Ecology Center focuses on environmental health and justice. It works on waste reduction and management and has advocated for policies that minimize landfill use and encourage sustainable waste practices.
- Website: ecocenter.org
Clean Water Action Michigan
- Focus: Clean Water Action has been involved in campaigns against landfill expansions and advocates for sustainable waste management practices that protect water quality and public health.
- Website: cleanwateraction.org/states/michigan
Michigan Recycling Coalition
- Focus: MRC is dedicated to advancing recycling and waste reduction efforts across the state. They advocate for policies and programs that reduce reliance on landfills by promoting sustainable waste management practices. MRC works with businesses, municipalities, and individuals to improve recycling infrastructure and education.
- Website: michiganrecycles.org
Make Food Not Waste
- Focus: This Detroit-based organization focuses on reducing food waste, which helps decrease the amount of organic material sent to landfills. They collaborate with restaurants, businesses, and local governments to divert food waste from landfills through composting, food recovery, and redistribution programs.
- Website: makefoodnotwaste.org