The capture of biogas by the bioreactor significantly reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere. This direct greenhouse gas benefit, coupled with the offsetting on non-renewable energy sources such as coal represents an overall system that creates significant emissions trading potential.

Biogas typically consists of about 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide. Methane has 25 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide and if not collected can represent a significant environmental risk. A well designed and managed bioreactor can be expected to achieve greater than 90% gas collection efficiencies, compared with typically less than 70% for a retrofitted landfill.