Workshop on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Landfills
Using Biological Methods – 4th and 5th January 2016
Introduction
Although a number of technologies are available for mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,
their selection and field implementation in a cost-efficient manner is still challenging. Recent
laboratory and field research has shown that application of biological methods may provide an
economical solution to this challenge. Such bio-based methods include methanotrophy; the
conversion of methane into carbon dioxide by means of methane-oxidizing bacteria. This method
is utilized in methane bio filters (MBFs) and landfill bio caps to address emissions from low volume
point sources and area sources, respectively. In addition, GHG emissions associated with waste
could be controlled by the application of landfill bioreactor/bio cell technology. Since methane is a
GHG with a global warming potential of 25 (compared to a global warming potential of 1 for carbon
dioxide), methane bio-oxidation using methanotrophy may provide industries and municipalities
with an excellent opportunity to reduce their GHG emissions in a cost effective manner. This
technology has been applied successfully in many developed countries such as United States and
Canada, and can be implemented in South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka and India as a means
to reduce GHG emissions.
In response to this situation, a workshop on Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions Using Biological
Methods was held in University of Calgary, Canada in August 2015. The Centre for Sustainability of
University of Sri Jayewardenepura is holding a follow-up workshop in Colombo, Sri Lanka in
Collaboration with the University of Calgary with key experts and stakeholders who can evaluate,
advice and share their expertise on GHG emissions in the waste sector in tropical climates such as
Sri Lanka and India. The workshop will give the opportunity to the participants to discuss a topic
that has received low attention so far; bio-based technologies to mitigate GHG emissions.
Considering the focus of the workshop is narrow, it will be possible to conduct in-depth discussions
and knowledge sharing. This workshop will raise key questions on bio-based methods as well as fullscale deployment of GHG emission mitigation from the waste sector. The workshop will also lay the
foundation to start up pilot test projects and thus the technologies will be tested for tropical
climates immediately following the workshop.
Resources Persons:
A team of International and Local experts in landfill waste management led by Professor J. Patrick
Hettiaratchi, Professor of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, University
of Calgary, Canada.
The Workshop Outline
4th January 2016
Morning Session

Potential opportunities to apply GHG emission reduction technologies in Sri Lanka/India
o Quantification of GHG emissions from the waste sector in Sri Lanka
o Feasible methods for collection of field data
o Opportunities/ Technologies
for GHG emission reduction through waste
diversification
Afternoon Session

GHG emission Mitigation Technologies at existing dumps and landfills
o Landfill Bio cap technology (control of methane emissions from landfills without gas
extraction systems by developing a soil cap above it).
o Methane Bio filter (MBF) Technology (converts methane to carbon dioxide using a
bio filter without producing other harmful by-products).
5th January 2016
Morning Session
 GHG emission Mitigation Technologies at existing dumps and landfills
o Evapotranspiration cover (ET cover) Technology (cover landfills and waste sites with
engineered soil and vegetation layers).
 Applicability of the above technologies to local dumps and landfills in Sri Lanka
Afternoon Session


Implementation of sustainable landfills in Sri Lanka
Designing sustainable landfills using a bioreactor or bio cell approach enabling gas recovery
and energy production.
Workshop Venue: Albatross Hall of Waters Edge, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Workshop Fees: Rs 10,000/-