What are the specifics in how trash and landfills are able to produce a lot of methane?
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There are two different common types of decomposition- aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen). If something is in contact with the air, it will most likely decompose aerobically, with the bacteria releasing CO2 (mostly) as waste. However, in landfills, trash is pilled up and compacted, and oxygen can’t reach the bottom of the trash pile. Different types of bacteria work on decomposing this stuff, and they digest anaerobically (no oxygen) so they instead usually expel their waste as methane, CH4.
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