Dive Brief:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded its "Energy Project of the Year" status to Republic Services' Sand Valley landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE) site.
• The project is located in Collinsville, AL and is capable of generating 4.8 MW of energy and supplies power for 4,000 households.
• GEK Inc., a subsidiary of Republic, partnered with Energy Developments Inc. on the project, which is touted as the largest of its kind in Alabama.

Dive Insight:

Republic Services has installed 72 LFGTE across the country. The Sand Valley site accepts approximately 1,600 tons of waste per day.

Gregg Brummer, the Eastern Region vice president of Republic Services, said, "We believe the modern landfill can do more than protect the local environment. In many cases, landfills enable scientists and engineers to harness energy from waste decomposition and convert it into a renewable power source. Our employees are humbled by the EPA’s recognition…"