An unintended consequence of landfilling garbage is the emission of greenhouse gases, yuck! A modern landfill, however, can capture nasty methane gas and turn it into electricity. Presently, about one-quarter of the municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills in the United States are capable of capturing methane gas and turning it into energy, making it available for homes and local industry. It is estimated that at least as many more also have the potential to capture energy.
Imagine this; maybe one day garbage will become a commodity.
Originally posted at Environmental Trends.