Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, Maple Valley, Washington.
Casey Sixkiller, Ecology Director, stated: “Methane is an extraordinarily potent greenhouse gas. This grant program will help us work with landfills to find better ways to reduce their methane emissions and meet their compliance obligations.” Methane, the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions after carbon dioxide, is significantly produced by decomposing organic waste in landfills.
Kathy Taylor, manager of Ecology’s Air Quality program, explained: “As organic materials — such as food scraps and yard clippings — break down in landfills, methane gas can escape into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. These grants will help landfill owners reduce their methane emissions and comply with the 2022 Landfills-Methane Emissions Law by funding repairs and upgrades to gas collection and control systems, and more monitoring of surface emissions.”
Eligible landfills, classified as municipal solid waste facilities handling primarily household trash, must meet specific compliance requirements. Funded by the Climate Commitment Act, the grants range from $25,000 to $2.6 million. The program supports Washington’s broader efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions by addressing methane, a major environmental concern.
In Yakima County, two landfills—Cheyne and Terrace Heights—are implementing new gas collection and control systems to meet the updated regulations. Karma Suchan, Yakima County’s solid waste manager, said: “Grant funding is very important to our operations. Yakima County is an economically challenged area, so changes in regulations, requirements, and industry standards without grant funding directly impacts our customers through increased garbage fees.” The county received over $1 million to offset costs, reducing the financial burden on local residents.
The Landfills—Methane Emissions Law requires landfills to submit annual reports starting in April 2026. These reports will establish a baseline for methane emissions and help identify the most effective control measures. The grant program enables landfills to upgrade infrastructure and enhance monitoring, ensuring compliance while contributing to Washington’s climate goals.
By funding these projects, the Washington Department of Ecology is fostering sustainable waste management practices and supporting local communities in meeting environmental standards.
