Unit of Measure & Conversion Standards
All incoming waste weights are recorded in US Short Tons (2,000 lbs) and converted to Metric Tons (1,000 kg) using a standard coefficient of 0.907. This ensures our final Avoided Emissions are accurately reported in Metric Tons of CO2 (MTCO2e), aligning with IPCC and EPA Greenhouse Gas reporting standards.
The Regional Methane Gap
Our model is informed by 11 distinct observation days from the Global Airborne Observatory, ISS, and Tanager satellite platforms as recorded on CarbonMapper. While the regional landfill reportedly operates with high efficiency, these observations captured an average methane flux of 742.7 kg/hr—nearly three times the rate predicted by standard reporting formulas. By diverting food waste, we prevent the "fuel" for these fugitive plumes at the source.
Multiplier Composition
We utilize a tile-based "Waffle Chart" representation to show exactly where these carbon avoidances originate.
| Diversion Method | Base Avoidance (EPA) | Fugitive Gap (Satellite) | Loop Offset | Final Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermicomposting | 0.53 | 0.67 | 0.15 (Soil Carbon) | 1.35 |
| Animal Feed | 0.53 | 0.67 | 0.25 (Feed Displacement) | 1.45 |
Component Definitions
- Standard EPA Avoidance (0.53)
- The national benchmark for avoiding methane in a managed landfill environment.
- Verified Fugitive Gap (0.67)
- An uplift based on 11 days of empirical satellite data showing higher-than-modeled methane intensity at our regional landfill.
- Soil Carbon Sequestration (0.15)
- Credit for the biological ability of vermicompost (worm castings) to lock carbon into the soil.
- Industrial Feed Displacement (0.25)
- Credit for the avoided carbon footprint of growing, processing, and shipping commercial soy and corn by repurposing residuals for local livestock.
- Logistics Penalty
- All multipliers include a deduction for local transport (10-mile radius) via Class 1/2a vehicles.
Why These Multipliers Are Different
Most calculators use a "Black Box" approach with national averages. Our model is Site-Specific. By using the 1.35 and 1.45 multipliers, we are providing a more accurate reflection of the Pacific Northwest and Southern Oregon waste landscape and the immediate climate benefits of localized, aerobic organic management.