Waste sector greenhouse gas emissions
You are viewing an archived copy of the 2017 report.
Key finding
Emissions from the waste sector increased 17% between 2005 and 2016, however waste emissions have fallen since 2011 due to increased capture and combustion of landfill gas.
Queensland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from waste slowly reduced from 3.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 1990 to a low of 2.5 MtCO2e in 2006. Emissions then trended upwards to reach 3.3 MtCO2e in 2011. Emissions in 2016 were slightly lower at 3.0 MtCO2e.
Landfill (solid waste disposal) continues to be the main source of waste-related emissions. The recent reduction in waste emissions is largely due to increased capture and combustion of landfill gas.
Treatment of solid waste and incineration creates a very small contribution to GHG emissions in this sector.
More information:
Indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions, in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 – e), of waste sector
Queensland annual greenhouse gas emissions in millions of tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent from 1990–2016 by waste sector.