MOUNT JEWETT — A renewable natural gas production facility has begun operating at the McKean Landfill, according to a report by Vermont Business Magazine.

Casella Waste Systems Inc. and Waga Energy announced the start of operations Thursday. The McKean facility is the third developed through a partnership between the companies to begin operating this year, following facilities at the Chemung County Landfill and Hyland Landfill.

The three projects complete a partnership agreement signed in 2023.

“Bringing this facility online at our McKean landfill is another important step in our efforts to recover more value from the materials we manage,” said Ned Coletta, president and CEO of Casella Waste Systems. “Our partnership with Waga Energy has always been focused on collaborating to leverage each other’s strengths, and it’s extremely gratifying to see the third facility come online and producing as anticipated.”

The facility uses Waga Energy’s patented WAGABOX technology to convert landfill gas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas. With an installed processing capacity of 2,000 standard cubic feet per minute, the McKean facility can generate up to 407,000 MMBtu, or 120 gigawatt-hours, of renewable gas annually.

Production will increase progressively as landfill gas volumes at the site grow.

“The commissioning of the McKean WAGABOX unit is a strong testament to the commitment and execution capabilities of the Casella and Waga Energy teams,” said Guénaël Prince, CEO of Waga Energy Inc. “This project also demonstrates the strength of a partnership model that creates long-term value for both partners by transforming landfill gas into a reliable source of renewable energy.”

The renewable natural gas produced at the site is injected directly into the National Fuel Gas network, providing a renewable alternative to fossil natural gas. The project is expected to prevent the equivalent of 31,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Under the agreement, Waga Energy funded construction of the three facilities and will own and operate them for 20 years. Casella and Waga Energy will share revenue generated by renewable natural gas sales.

Rutland, Vt.-based Casella provides solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling and organics services in the eastern United States. Waga Energy operates 36 renewable natural gas production units in France, Spain, Canada and the United States, with 19 additional units under construction worldwide.