Zeotech's zeoteCH4® Cuts Methane Emissions by 92% in Early Landfill Trial

Early Field Trial Delivers Strong Methane Reduction

Zeotech Limited (ASX:ZEO) has reported a striking 92% average reduction in methane emissions from its zeoteCH4® technology during the first six weeks of a live landfill trial at the North Burnett Regional Council (NBRC) site. Conducted in collaboration with Griffith University, the trial marks a critical operational milestone, delivering real-world validation beyond previous laboratory successes.

The trial, which commenced in February 2026, involves applying zeolite-based biofilter materials to landfill cover soil to adsorb and oxidise methane emissions passively. Over the initial monitoring period from 18 March to 30 April, methane flux measurements from treated cells were consistently and materially lower than untreated controls, with some readings exceeding 97% methane elimination.

Trial Progress and Environmental Challenges

The program has advanced through key stages including material preparation, blending, and baseline site measurements, now well into technology testing. Importantly, the trial endured a heavy rainfall event in early March, which partially eroded two treated cells. Remediation efforts proved effective, with no subsequent gas emission spikes detected, suggesting the technology's robustness under adverse field conditions.

Griffith University’s analysis further revealed an approximate 90% methane oxidation efficiency based on methane to carbon dioxide ratios, reinforcing that the technology is not merely delaying methane release but actively reducing it within the landfill cover.

Commercial and Environmental Implications

Zeotech CEO James Marsh highlighted the trial’s significance, emphasising its relevance for Australian landfills lacking conventional gas capture infrastructure. The passive, cost-effective nature of zeoteCH4® could offer a scalable solution for methane mitigation, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

With monitoring set to continue through to August 2026, the extended dataset will provide insight into the durability and consistency of methane reduction across varying environmental conditions. Should performance remain strong, this could pave the way for commercial deployment, aligning with broader low-carbon and environmental technology trends.

The Mundubbera Waste Management Facility trial site was selected for its active methane generation and spatial variability, providing a rigorous testing ground for the technology. Eight 2m by 2m test cells; four treated and four controls; allowed direct comparison under identical landfill conditions.

Zeotech’s ongoing collaboration with Griffith University builds on earlier simulated landfill successes and is a key part of its broader Methane Control Program, which has seen steady progress alongside its other projects such as the Toondoon Kaolin development and AusPozz™ commercialisation efforts.