The R-Board has a gas collection system and has flared the landfill gas as required by state regulations. This is done with an open flame at extremely high temperatures. The open flame produces much heat and the R-Board has found a way to use this wasted resource: generating electricity.
The process that we use takes advantage of the gasses created as trash breaks down in an oxygen-free environment. This breakdown creates methane and carbon dioxide along with other trace gasses. A free release into the atmosphere would contribute to greenhouse gasses but our process collects this gas to generate electricity. Our two new generators now produce over 2 megawatts of electricity, enough to power over 1,300 homes per day.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the power plant and open house at the landfill was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008.
