This type of program can be quite low-cost and flexible in targeting key barriers and providing effective information and assistance to overcome them. The U.S. program, for example, provides a variety of tools, including detailed descriptions of candidate project sites, and software to assess economic and technical potential. Regulations also can include setting standards for recycled paper use or recycled material content. In the United States, for example, many states have recycling goals, often included in mandatory programs. For existing dumps and landfills, regulatory measures can range from the mandatory recovery and combustion of CH 4 to actions aimed at clarifying existing regulations and ensuring that they are supportive of CH 4 recovery.
Domestic actions can include providing tax credits or low-cost financing.
International financial support also may be provided through mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility or other similar funds. Comparison of Alternative Measures and Policies Most of the technical options for CH 4 emissions reduction are independent of each other, and not mutually exclusive. Recycling of some solid waste and composting of others can occur simultaneously. The remainder may be placed in landfills where land disposal costs are low, or incinerated. CH 4 from landfills may be used for energy where possible, and flared if recovery costs are not competitive with alternative energy sources.