Mapping Research on Landfill-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2010–2025): Trends, Gaps, and Policy Implications

Landfilling remains the most widely used disposal method, during which greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide are released, contributing to climate change. Landfilling remains the most widely used disposal method, during which greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide are released, contributing to climate change. This study addresses three key research questions: how scientific research on landfill-related greenhouse gas emissions has evolved over time, which thematic and geographical gaps persist in the existing literature, and what policy-relevant insights can be derived to support sustainable landfill management. To answer these questions, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on 1313 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025 and indexed in the Scopus database. Publication trends, citation patterns, leading countries, institutions, journals, and emerging research themes were systematically examined using bibliometric mapping techniques. The results reveal a steady growth in scholarly output, with research predominantly concentrated in a limited number of countries and strongly focused on methane mitigation, landfill gas recovery, and waste-to-energy technologies. Beyond methane and carbon dioxide, increasing attention is also observed toward other landfill gases and associated environmental risks, indicating a gradual broadening of research scope. The novelty of this study lies in its extended temporal coverage, exclusive reliance on the Scopus database, and integrated assessment of research trends, gaps, and policy implications within a single analytical framework. The findings emphasize the importance of environmentally safe landfill management and greenhouse gas mitigation. The findings provide valuable scientific and policy-oriented insights that can support evidence-based decision-making, promote environmentally sound landfill practices, and contribute to climate change mitigation and societal well-being.