Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in landfill gas, formed with the biodegradation of municipal solid waste, is a major odorous component in a landfill. It poses a potential risk to humans and causes odor problems and complaints by the residents near landfills. Many studies have been conducted on landfill gas qualities. Also, various H2S control technologies have been used in different industrial sectors. However, comprehensive reviews on H2S issues in landfill gas are rare. An understanding of the formation of H2S encountered in landfill gas and the emission at which it occurs helps assess risk and problems. The authors review recent publications from different perspectives on H2S odor in landfills, including H2S generation the impact on the environment and human health, H2S levels in the landfill environment, and H2S control technologies at landfills. © 2015 Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.