Silivri landfill identified as major methane leak source in Turkey

Satellite data analysis conducted by researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has revealed massive methane leaks from waste disposal sites in Turkey. The Silivri landfill facility in Istanbul was identified as one of the largest sources, releasing an average of 7.4 tons of methane per hour. The climate impact of these emissions is estimated to be equivalent to the emissions produced by approximately 1.5 million large SUVs.

In addition to Silivri, researchers detected high levels of methane emissions at landfills in other regions, including Izmir and Antalya.

In response to the findings, officials from İSTAÇ, a subsidiary of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality that operates the Silivri facility, stated that improvements are necessary. They noted that some leaks occur in areas where waste has not yet been covered with a layer of clay. The facility currently utilizes a system to capture approximately 6,000 cubic meters of methane per hour for energy production, but officials emphasized the need to cover exposed waste more quickly to mitigate further leaks.