Waste Management’s Modernization and Expansion project for the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center includes many benefits to the community, including expanding recycling capabilities and creating open space for wildlife habitat conservation. Over the next few months we’re going to highlight components of the project to give you a better sense of the benefits of having WM in Simi Valley. One of WM’s sustainability goals is to double waste-based energy, through the collection of landfill gas and recovery programs so that we can provide electricity from garbage to 2 million homes by 2020.

Waste Management operates the largest network of landfills in our industry, with nearly 300 sites managing the disposal of millions of tons of waste per year. This provides us with a vast supply of a natural, renewable energy source: landfill gas, or methane. Currently, WM generates enough power nationwide to power over 400,000 homes. This type of gas, which is created naturally through the decomposition of waste in landfills, is a readily available renewable energy source that can be collected and used directly for generating electricity or converting it to clean-burning liquefied natural gas (LNG) that will be used to power our recycling and refuse collection vehicles. Our plans include the following green energy programs: GREEN ENERGY Currently, the Simi Valley Landfill’s gas to energy program produces enough electricity to provide electricity for 2,500 homes and our proposed plan is to increase the amount of energy produced to the equivalent of 6,250 homes. This is an increase of 150 percent. LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS Construction and operation of a LNG facility will create a clean-burning alternative fuel from the naturally occurring landfill gas harvested from the landfill. This fuel will be used to power WM’s collection vehicles and will be available for other commercial fleets. This locally available fuel source will lower dependence on fossil fuels and reduce emissions from vehicles for cleaner, healthier air. WM Simi Valley is ahead of the process and currently has 40 collection vehicles operating on LNG fuel that are servicing your trash and recycling needs in the communities we serve. As a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange and the first solid waste company to join the California Climate Action Registry, this project is part of WM’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the end of last year, WM partnered with Linde North America, a leading global gases and engineering company, on the world’s largest landfill gas to LNG plant at our Altamont Landfill in Northern California. The plant has received national attention from the media and government agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board. In fact, WM Simi Valley just received its first load of LNG fuel for our collection vehicles. At WM, we’re committed to offering residents and businesses the best possible services, while being a leader in environmental stewardship. For more information about our sustainability initiatives or the Modernization and Expansion project, please contact Lisa Hemenway at (805) 581-1746 or lhemenway1@wm.com.