Bioreactor landfill process optimization in Northern climates

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Bioreactor landfills are an effective waste-to-energy technology that produce green energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Municipal solid waste has a significant fraction of organics including food waste, paper, and yard waste, which can represent 60% of the total waste stream. Even with effective recycling programs in place, a significant amount of organic materials reach the landfill. These organics degrade or breakdown within the waste and generate a landfill gas that is typically 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide. The methane fraction is a greenhouse gas and also an energy resource. Hence, the landfill gas or biogas is collected to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and can be used as an energy source. The biogas can be used directly as a heat source or can be converted into other forms of energy including electricity. The difference between a conventional landfill and a bioreactor landfill is within the bioreactor landfill, the waste degradation or stabilization process is enhanced by creating ideal conditions for the waste to degrade. Increasing the rate at which the waste degrades, decreases the volume of the waste and generates additional landfill space, thereby reducing the landfill footprint or the need for additional landfill space. Increasing the rate at which the waste degrades, also increases the rate of production of biogas that can be used as an energy source. To enhance the breakdown of the waste, there needs to be sufficient moisture and an ideal temperature (approx. 35-40°C) to support the microorganisms breaking down the waste. Achieving the ideal temperature in northern climates is a challenge and can delay the breakdown of the waste. The goal of this research proposal is to improve our understanding of the waste stabilization processes and optimize bioreactor landfill performance in northern climates. This research builds on a significant research initiative to instrument an active bioreactor landfill operating in Ste. Sophie, Quebec. The project will fund three Master's students and one PhD student with the ultimate goal of developing a comprehensive waste stabilization model for bioreactor landfills operating in northern climates.