Recent organic waste diversion regulations aim to reduce the environmental burden associated with landfilling this waste stream. Pyrolysis is a promising waste management strategy for the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) that recognizes the value of this waste stream. Traditionally, organic waste is landfilled where it anaerobically degrades. To reduce the release of fugitive emissions, most modern landfills capture generated gas and combust it for energy generation. Unfortunately, this process of energy generation is rife with inefficiencies; nonetheless, emissions can still be generated due to inefficiencies, particularly when methane is generated prior to gas wells being installed or when the quantity or quality of gas is low.
