Washington cracks down on gassy garbage

Washington state has implemented new regulations to reduce landfill methane emissions, surpassing federal standards set by the EPA. These rules are estimated to cut methane emissions by 38%, equivalent to preventing 1.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. The regulations require landfills to monitor and fix methane leaks promptly, with more installations for capturing and destroying methane. The state aims to reduce organic waste going into landfills by 75% by 2030. While environmentalists welcome the regulations, they advocate for stricter measures like faster gas collection system implementation and enhanced methane detection technology. The state will provide grants for affected landfills, emphasizing the importance of reducing food waste as a key strategy in mitigating landfill methane emissions.

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