Caroline Landfill has delivered significant greenhouse gas reductions, with new data confirming that millions of cubic metres of methane have been captured and safely destroyed since the site's gas capture system was switched on.
In late 2022 and early 2023, LMS Energy installed a landfill gas capture system at Caroline, with commissioning completed in February 2023. Since becoming operational, the system has captured more than 2.7 million cubic metres of landfill gas, preventing substantial methane emissions from entering the atmosphere while also returning carbon credits to the value of more than $54,000.
"This volume is equivalent to filling approximately 1,120 Olympic‑sized swimming pools with gas, removing almost 5,000 cars from the road for a year, or planting over 300,000 trees," City of Mount Gambier Manager Waste, ReUse and Environment Jeremy Martin said.
Capturing landfill gas delivers multiple environmental, financial and safety benefits, including reduced odours and local air pollution, improved site safety and the prevention of methane release. Methane is a greenhouse gas more than 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
"The landfill gas system works by extracting landfill gas from the site and combusting it in an on‑site flare, converting methane into carbon dioxide and delivering an immediate and significant reduction in overall greenhouse impact," Mr Martin said.
"In addition, Council receives a royalty from the sale of carbon credits created through landfill gas flaring. This revenue helps offset a small portion of the cost of operating the landfill and supports continued investment in safe, environmentally responsible waste management."
"These outcomes show that well‑managed landfill infrastructure can deliver real environmental and economic benefits for our community, not only improving local air quality, but also reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Operational performance data highlights the effectiveness of the system. In December, the landfill gas averaged a methane concentration of approximately 47 per cent, indicating stable gas quality. The flare operated for more than 730 hours during the reporting period, ensuring continuous abatement of emissions.
Stable gas capture rates and high operating hours highlight the reliability of the gas collection and flaring system at Caroline. Effective methane abatement not only reduces emissions today, but also supports future opportunities for renewable energy generation.
Opportunities to further enhance gas recovery and investigate complementary renewable energy initiatives at the site continue to be assessed as part of ongoing environmental management practices. City of Mount Gambier Environmental Sustainability Business Partner Aaron Izzard encouraged residents to play their part by keeping organic material out of kerbside landfill bins.
"Food and garden waste should be placed in the FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) bin or composted at home. Diverting organic waste reduces methane generation and other potential pollutants, and is a simple way everyone can make a positive environmental difference," Mr Izzard said.
Caroline Landfill is a critical piece of regional infrastructure, and the only landfill in the Limestone Coast licensed to accept household waste.
"Without a local facility, this waste would need to be transported hundreds of kilometres, significantly increasing disposal costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Operating a safe and compliant local landfill helps minimise these environmental and financial impacts."
