A Glance at the World: Potential Benefits of Implementing Landfill Gas (LFG) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects at Waste Disposal Sites: Case Study for Implementation at Chunga Landfill Site in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Landfilling has traditionally been the predominant waste management option in the developing world. Many of these landfill sites remain poorly managed which has led to serious negative impacts on human health and the local environment. Inadequate financing has been cited as one of the major barrier that makes it difficult for many landfill owners/operators to operate and manage their sites in an appropriate manner. The often low gate fees charged for the disposal of waste at such sites does not provide sufficient funds to incorporate adequate environmental mitigation processes. Consequently, many sites are operated as “open dumps” or semi-managed dumpsites which have associated environmental problems such as unabated emissions of landfill gas (LFG) and leachate discharge. Furthermore, once landfilling operations have ceased, no financial provisions are made for “after-care” of the site. This is in stark contrast to the situation in Europe and other developed regions of the world.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) provides an opportunity for developing countries to substantially improve landfill site operation. The implementation of landfill gas capture projects not only decreases the environmental impact of methane gas but can lead to improved site management practices. It is also an opportunity to generate additional revenue through carbon credits and when possible, through energy generation. This paper explores how CDM projects offer economic benefits to overcome financial barriers to landfill site operation in developing countries. A case study has been used to illustrate the potential benefits of implementing a landfill gas CDM project at the Chunga landfill site in Lusaka, Zambia. Baseline greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions were estimated for the site. It was found that implementing a landfill gas CDM project would generate revenue amounting to more than 18% of the gate fees over a 7-year crediting period. This additional revenue could supplement the operator’s budget required for site management and mitigate the environmental impacts currently associated with the site.