The biodegradability of polymeric materials exposed to an
active methanogenic inoculum was studied under controlled laboratory
conditions that resemble those found during active AD for a
period of 50 days. They likely differ somewhat from the conditions
within a landfill where moisture is usually removed and a greater
diversity of materials is present. Yet the extent of biodegradation is
likely similar to what would ultimately occur over many years in a
landfill environment.
of the methane produced is recovered, then biodegradable plastics
in landfills have a greater potential than composted biodegradable
plastics to contribute to global warming.