Why Do Landfills Smell So Bad?

In discussions about the smell surrounding landfills, the common theory is that it’s an overabundance of methane produced by rotting and fermenting material. Well, that is half true.

When organic matter decomposes, it gives off an odor that is most times considered to be offensive. Methane, however, is odorless. This makes it non-offensive to be around initially, but possibly dangerous if it unknowingly collects and ignites.



“Odors in landfill gas are caused primarily by hydrogen sulfide and ammonia” as organic materials break down and essentially rot. “Landfill gas contains many different gases. Methane and carbon dioxide make up 90 to 98% of landfill gas. The remaining 2 to 10% includes nitrogen, oxygen, ammonia, sulfides, hydrogen and various other gases.

The amount of these gases depends on the type of waste present in the landfill, the age of the landfill, oxygen content, the amount of moisture, and temperature. For example, gas production will increase if the temperature or moisture content increases.

Though production of these gases generally reaches a peak in five to seven years, a landfill can continue to produce gases for more than 50 years.”

Since the breakdown and decomposition of organic material produces the same gasses, all landfills essentially smell the same…awful.

health.ny.gov
waste360.com
geha-online.org