Waste emissions

Waste emissions are the greenhouse gases and other pollutants released during the collection, transport, treatment and final disposal of waste. They are part of an organisation's environmental impact and, in greenhouse gas inventories, mostly fall within the waste category of national and corporate accounting.

Why waste emissions matter

The anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in landfills generates methane, a gas whose 100-year global warming potential is far higher than that of CO₂ (around 27 to 30 times, according to IPCC AR6). Incineration without efficient energy recovery releases fossil CO₂ and fine particles that affect respiratory health. Tackling these emissions supports climate goals, reduces environmental-control costs and strengthens corporate reputation.

How waste emissions are calculated

Landfill methane is usually estimated with the methodology set out in the IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, which models the degradable organic carbon in the waste, the fraction that actually decomposes, the share converted to methane, any methane captured, and the oxidation of biogas in the landfill cover.

The main parameters are therefore:

• The quantity and composition of waste deposited.
• The degradable organic carbon it contains and how much of it decomposes.
• The methane correction factor for the type of site.
• The methane recovered and the oxidation in the cover.

Using local data (waste composition, climate, site management) instead of default values makes the estimate considerably more accurate.

Strategies to reduce waste emissions

Prevention and reuse

Avoiding waste in the first place removes the landfill emissions associated with it and sits at the top of the waste hierarchy.

Separate collection and composting of organics

Diverting biodegradable waste from landfill reduces the putrescible material that generates methane and produces compost for agricultural use.

Biogas capture and energy recovery

Capturing landfill gas or biogas from treatment plants cuts methane releases and can supply renewable energy on site.

Route optimisation in collection

Rationalising collection frequencies and routes lowers fuel use and the associated emissions from the transport stage.

Waste emissions and climate neutrality

Managing waste emissions is a strategic element in reaching climate neutrality. Measuring them with recognised methodologies and applying reduction technologies delivers tangible competitive advantages. At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and prepare their sustainability reporting. Discover how Manglai can help you.