Everyday garbage generates enough clean, renewable energy to power up to 3,400 homes

SAVANNAH, Ga., May 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Waste Management today debuted a landfill-gas-to-energy facility at its Superior Landfill and Recycling Center, which uses methane gas to power up to 3,400 homes in the surrounding area. More than 100 state and local officials, business and community leaders gathered for an opening event and tours showcasing the new facility.

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The facility is among the largest of its kind in Georgia and the Southeast, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data. It represents a new source of green energy entering the power grid, lessening our dependence on fossil fuels. Methane gas — created from the natural decomposition of waste — is taken from the landfill through a series of wells placed around the site. From there, gas is used to power eight large engines to generate electricity, creating approximately 6.4 megawatts of power.

"The opening of this facility represents a new source of clean, renewable energy for our community," said Robby White, district manager for Waste Management in Savannah. "It is an environmentally responsible way to harness the energy from the waste we all generate."

Georgia Power and Waste Management Renewable Energy LLC entered into a 10-year deal for electricity, which was approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission in April. Georgia Power selected Waste Management from a number of independent renewable generators that submitted bids through the company's green request for proposals issued in April 2009. The energy from Superior is helping grow Georgia Power's Green Energy program.

"Landfill gas is a clean energy resource that has been endorsed by the U.S. EPA as an environmentally wise alternative that reduces our reliance on fossil fuels," said Paul Pabor, vice president of Renewable Energy for Waste Management. "Over the years, Waste Management has worked closely with businesses, industries and public utilities to develop many beneficial-use projects. We currently have more than 115 projects across North America, including three other sites in Georgia."

Waste Management tailors its services to meet the needs of each customer group and to ensure consistent, superior service at the local level. Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Its subsidiaries provide collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy and waste-to-energy facilities in the United States. With nearly 800 employees in Georgia, the company serves residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers throughout North America.

For more information on landfill gas-to-energy, please visit our web site at www.wm.com www.thinkgreen.com

SOURCE Waste Management

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