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Altamont Landfill Gas to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant: Turning Waste into Clean Energy

The Altamont landfill gas to liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant is a joint venture between Waste Management and Linde North America. The plant takes the methane gas (bio methane) produced by the landfill and converts it into LNG, which can then be used to power vehicles and heat buildings. This process not only provides a clean, renewable source of energy but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


The Altamont landfill has been producing methane gas since it was opened in the 1960s. Methane gas is a byproduct of the natural decomposition of organic materials, such as food waste and yard waste, that are buried in the landfill. For many years, the methane gas produced by the landfill was simply burned off, which was a waste of a valuable resource and contributed to air pollution.

However, in 2009, Waste Management began working with Linde North America to explore ways to convert the methane gas into a usable form of energy. The result of their efforts was the Altamont landfill gas to LNG plant, which was completed in 2016.

The plant uses a process called liquefaction to convert the methane gas into LNG. The methane gas is first cleaned and dried to remove impurities and moisture. It is then cooled to a temperature of around -260 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point it becomes a liquid. The liquefied natural gas can then be stored and transported like traditional natural gas.

The Altamont landfill gas to LNG plant has the capacity to produce up to 13,000 gallons of LNG per day, which is enough to power about 300 garbage trucks or 1,000 homes. The LNG produced by the plant is used by Waste Management's natural gas trucks and is also sold to other companies for use in their vehicles and buildings.

How Altamont Landfill Gas to LNG Plant Technology Works

Altamont landfill gas to LNG plant technology involves capturing the landfill gas produced by decomposing waste and processing it into LNG. The process involves several steps:
  • Gas Collection: The landfill gas is collected using a network of pipes and pumps and is then directed to the processing plant.
  • Gas Treatment: The gas is treated to remove impurities such as moisture, hydrogen sulfide, and other trace contaminants.
  • Liquefaction: The purified gas is then cooled to -162°C, causing it to condense into a liquid state and become LNG.
  • Storage and Transportation: The LNG is stored in tanks and transported via tanker trucks to various customers, such as power plants, industrial facilities, and transportation companies.

Benefits of Altamont Landfill Gas to LNG Plant Technology

Altamont landfill gas to LNG plant technology offers several benefits for energy production, including:
  • Renewable Energy: The use of landfill gas to produce LNG promotes renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and helping to combat climate change.
  • Emissions Reduction: The process of producing LNG from landfill gas results in lower emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, compared to traditional fossil fuel sources.
  • Cost Savings: The production of LNG from landfill gas can provide cost savings for energy companies, as the gas is a low-cost, reliable, and domestically sourced fuel.
  • Waste Reduction: The use of landfill gas for energy production reduces the amount of gas that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, reducing harmful emissions and promoting waste reduction.
The Altamont landfill gas to LNG plant has numerous benefits. First and foremost, it provides a renewable source of energy that is much cleaner than traditional fossil fuels. Using LNG produced from landfill gas can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Additionally, the plant reduces the amount of methane gas that is released into the atmosphere, which is a potent greenhouse gas that is 25 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide.

The Altamont landfill gas to LNG plant is a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can lead to significant advances in renewable energy. It demonstrates how we can turn waste into a valuable resource and use it to power our homes, businesses, and transportation. With the success of this project, we can only hope that more companies and communities will follow suit and explore the potential of converting landfill gas into LNG.
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