Has a Landfill Ever Exploded?

In March 1986 a house at Loscoe in Derbyshire was completely destroyed by a landfill methane explosion, badly injuring the three occupants inside the home. A Public Inquiry was carried out on the the series of events leading up to the incident and evidence was produced to ascertain the origin of the methane.

Can landfills explode?

It is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air if it concentrates in an enclosed space with poor ventilation. The range of air concentrations at which methane levels are considered to be an explosion hazard is 5 to 15% of the total air volume. Landfill gas explosions are not common occurrences.

How long do landfills produce methane?

Landfills usually produce appreciable amounts of gas within 1 to 3 years. Peak gas production usually occurs 5 to 7 years after wastes are dumped. Almost all gas is produced within 20 years after waste is dumped; however, small quantities of gas may continue to be emitted from a landfill for 50 or more years.