County signs deal to extract natural gas from landfill

ASHEBORO — On June 30, Randolph County announced that it has selected Waga Energy to build, own and operate a renewable natural gas (RNG) production unit at the Great Oak Landfill in Randleman.

Randolph County and Waga Energy, a global leader in the production of renewable natural gas (RNG) from landfills, announce the signing of a 20-year agreement for the development, construction and operation of an RNG production facility at the Great Oak Landfill, located in Randleman.

Under the agreement, Waga Energy will finance, construct, own and operate an RNG production unit with an initial design capacity of 3,000 scfm (standard cubic feet per minute), equivalent to approximately 4,800 m³/h. It will utilize the WAGABOX technology, developed and patented by Waga Energy, to upgrade landfill gas into pipeline-quality RNG.

By producing pipeline-quality RNG, the project supports the circular economy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels with a local, reliable, and renewable source of energy provided to the community. Waga Energy is also committed to investing in the gas collection and control system (GCCS) to maximize landfill gas collection while reducing local emissions.

The Great Oak Landfill is owned by Randolph County and operated by Waste Management of Carolinas, Inc. Last year, it accepted 692,255 standard US tons of waste. In 2013, Randolph County selected Waste Management of Carolinas, Inc. as an operating partner after an extensive selection process. Construction of the landfill began in May 2016 after receiving all necessary permits. 

The facility opened and began receiving waste in January 2017 under an original permit to receive up to 2,000 tons per day. In 2019, the permitted tonnage was increased to 4,000 tons per day, which is the current maximum. Under the original Operating Agreement, Randolph County retained the rights to the landfill gas, leading to the current collaboration with Waga Energy.