The Australian government has introduced a new ACCU method targeting methane emissions from landfills, incentivising ongoing investment and innovation to meet decarbonisation goals and boost the integrity of its carbon market.
A new Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) method focused on reducing methane emissions from landfill gas took effect on 28 November 2025, marking a significant step in Australia’s industrial decarbonisation efforts. The “Reducing Methane Emissions from Landfill Gas” method aims to bolster the integrity of ACCUs generated from capturing and destroying methane emissions at landfill sites, while providing stronger incentives for new abatement projects and encouraging further investment in infrastructure improvements for existing projects.
This method replaces previous landfill gas crediting approaches, including the Landfill Gas 2015 and Landfill Gas (Generation) 2021 methods, which were revoked simultaneously. The new framework stems from recommendations in the Independent Review of the ACCU Scheme led by Professor Ian Chubb AC. The review emphasised the need for upward-sloping baselines in landfill gas projects, reflecting the expectation that methane abatement should improve over time to maintain confidence in the credibility and transparency of ACCUs issued.
Under this updated method, existing landfill gas projects demonstrating ongoing investment to increase methane capture will benefit from longer crediting periods. However, they must achieve higher levels of methane destruction over time to continue earning the same volumes of ACCUs, creating a performance-driven incentive to accelerate emission reductions. This approach is intended to drive both innovation and the expansion of abatement infrastructure, promoting a sustained reduction in methane emissions throughout the waste sector.
The Australian Government has highlighted this advancement as a key milestone in meeting national emissions reduction targets. Josh Wilson, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, commented that the new method “ensures the continued integrity of ACCUs from landfill gas projects and maintains Australia’s world-leading work in capturing and reducing waste sector emissions.” He underlined the government’s commitment to fostering a “robust and transparent carbon market” that supports a cleaner, more competitive economy.
The Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee independently assessed the method and advised the government that it meets the legislated Offsets Integrity Standards, confirming its soundness in delivering genuine environmental outcomes. The Clean Energy Regulator now accepts applications for new landfill gas projects under this method, overseeing registration, compliance, and credit issuance.
Industry stakeholders and regulators across states and territories were consulted during the development of the method to ensure it aligns with current operational realities and facilitates practical, scalable methane abatement solutions.
Capturing and destroying methane from landfills is a crucial element of Australia’s broader decarbonisation strategy, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a significantly higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide over shorter time horizons. The ACCU Scheme’s enhancement through this method thus not only aids in meeting Australia’s Paris Agreement commitments but also supports the country’s pathway to net-zero emissions.
This update to the ACCU Scheme reflects a broader governmental push to strengthen the environmental integrity and economic viability of carbon markets, especially in sectors like waste management, where technology and infrastructure upgrades can drive substantial climate benefits.
- https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/new-landfill-gas-method-to-boost-capture-and-destruction-of-methane-emissions/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/accu-scheme/reducing-methane-emissions-landfill-gas-method-2025 – The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) introduced the ‘Reducing Methane Emissions from Landfill Gas Method 2025’ on 28 November 2025. This method outlines the rules for crediting emission reductions through the destruction of methane from decomposing waste at landfill sites. Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, emissions reduced can receive credits through capturing and destroying landfill gas in combustion devices or upgrading landfill gas into biomethane for use as a natural gas substitute within Australia. The method implements recommendation 10 of the Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units, ensuring ACCUs issued to landfill gas projects continue to have integrity and transparency. It replaces the previous landfill gas methods, including the Landfill Gas 2015 method and the Landfill Gas (Generation) 2021 method. Applications for projects under the new method can be made to the Clean Energy Regulator. ([dcceew.gov.au](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/accu-scheme/reducing-methane-emissions-landfill-gas-method-2025?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/new-landfill-gas-method-accu-scheme-now-available – On 28 November 2025, the Australian Government announced a new landfill gas method to strengthen the integrity of the ACCU Scheme and incentivise more abatement to help meet emissions reduction targets. The ‘Reducing Methane Emissions from Landfill Gas’ method will strengthen the integrity of ACCUs derived from capturing and destroying methane emissions from landfills. The method will incentivise abatement from new projects to encourage new infrastructure investment in abatement activities by existing projects. The new method implements a recommendation from the Independent Review of the ACCU Scheme led by Professor Ian Chubb AC, which found that landfill gas methods and crediting period extensions should incorporate upward sloping baselines to reflect the expectation that abatement improves over time and to therefore ensure the continued integrity of ACCUs generated from landfill gas projects. ([dcceew.gov.au](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/new-landfill-gas-method-accu-scheme-now-available?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/accu-scheme/methods/landfill-gas-generation – The ‘Landfill Gas (Generation) Method 2021’ was revoked on 28 November 2025. This method outlined the rules for crediting emission reductions through the destruction of methane from decomposing waste at landfill sites. Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, emissions reduced could receive credits through combusting landfill gas in an electricity generator, with or without flaring, or conversion of landfill gas into biomethane for use as a natural gas substitute within Australia. Existing landfill gas projects were eligible once the requirements were met. ([dcceew.gov.au](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/accu-scheme/methods-closed/landfill-gas-generation?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/accu-scheme/methods/landfill-gas – The ‘Landfill Gas Method’ outlines the rules for crediting emission reductions achieved by upgrading, installing, or reinstating landfill gas collection systems. Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, emissions reduced can receive credits by collecting and then combusting landfill gas from waste deposited before 1 July 2012 and after 30 June 2014. To use this method and take part in the ACCU Scheme, one needs to apply to the Clean Energy Regulator. The role of the Regulator is to manage ACCU project registration, compliance, and issuing of credits. ([dcceew.gov.au](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/accu-scheme/methods/landfill-gas?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/accu-scheme/methods/landfill-gas-method-closed – The ‘Landfill Gas Method (Closed)’ outlines the rules for crediting emission reductions achieved by capturing and destroying methane from landfills. Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, emissions reduced can receive credits by capturing and destroying landfill gas in combustion devices or upgrading landfill gas into biomethane for use as a natural gas substitute within Australia. The method excludes the destruction of emissions from carbon tax waste, which is waste deposited in landfill between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2014. ([cer.gov.au](https://cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme/accu-scheme-methods/landfill-gas-method-closed?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the new Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) method taking effect on 28 November 2025. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 28 November 2025, indicating freshness. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No earlier versions show different information. The article includes updated data and does not recycle older material. No content similar to this has appeared more than 7 days earlier. Therefore, the freshness score is 10.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quote from Josh Wilson, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, is unique to this narrative. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating originality. No variations in quote wording were found. Therefore, the quotes score is 10.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), a reputable government organisation. This enhances the reliability of the information presented. Therefore, the source reliability score is 10.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with known environmental policies and practices in Australia. The narrative is consistent with the region and topic, with no inconsistencies in language or tone. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and appropriate for a government press release. Therefore, the plausibility score is 10.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and originates from a reliable government source. All claims are plausible and consistent with known information. Therefore, the overall assessment is a PASS with high confidence.
