How does an organic material decompose in the buried solid waste?

In a buried solid waste landfill, organic materials such as food waste, yard waste, and paper products will undergo decomposition. Decomposition is the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler compounds by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

Under the anaerobic conditions found in a landfill (without oxygen), bacteria will produce methane as a byproduct of decomposition. This methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. To reduce methane emissions, some landfills use gas collection and combustion systems to capture and burn off the methane.