Dalian Landfill Gas Capture

The Maoyingzi landfill – the main municipal-solid-waste (MSW) facility in Dalian city – opened in 1989 and had accumulated 8.3 million tonnes of MSW by the end of 2007. It currently receives approximately 1,600 tonnes of waste per day.

Before the Dalian Landfill Gas project began in 2008, large quantities of LFG produced by the decomposition of organic MSW were vented directly into the atmosphere. Now landfill gas recovery facilities have been constructed to capture the biogas. The project first covers the landfill with soil and grass, sealing in the waste and its gases, and then subsequently pipes the methane out of the site for flaring. The next phase of the project will connect the LFG collection system to a 4MW power generation unit, which will supply the Northeast China Power Grid with approximately 13,000 MWh of renewable electricity per year.

In addition to the emission reduction benefits, the project also improves the local air quality. By covering the landfill, the project reduces noxious gases, reducing unpleasant odours for nearby residents. This also improves site safety, as landfill gas is flammable and uncontrolled release can be potentially explosive. The project has led to improvements in groundwater pollution. Before 2004, only a simple filtering system was used to treat leachate which causes groundwater contamination. The project owner has now adopted an advanced bio-membrane system which treats and recycles the leachate back to the landfill.

The project has also contributed to the local economy and livelihood of residents through the creation of jobs – 15 employees are currently working in full time operational roles while approximately 35 additional employees were required during the construction period.

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