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Renewable Energy Plant at the Glendale Landfill
Powers up, celebrates with Lunch at Landfill

Did you ever wonder what happens to your trash when you throw it away? Traditionally, trash goes into the landfill and then immediately begins to decompose. But then what happens? Well, now it has a purpose. Construction of a landfill-gas-to-energy facility at the Glendale Landfill was completed in December, and now we’re turning decomposed trash into electricity.

As the trash decomposes, it turns into methane gas. Using landfill gas as a renewable energy source has many benefits. Landfill gas is less expensive than other renewable resources, yet is just as reliable. Furthermore, converting landfill gas to energy helps the environment and community. By using landfill gas, Glendale will be helping to improve local air quality and reduce the risk of global climate change.

This renewable energy project, a public-private partnership, is now generating power for approximately 750 homes in the West Valley.

This project began back in 2003, when the city’s gas rights were sold to an engineering firm. Eventually it evolved to include Sexton Energy and APS, a partnership which paired the right combination of technical expertise and the capabilities to incorporate it into a public power grid. The facility opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Lunch at the Landfill event on January 30.

“It is great to be the leader in providing green energy from a municipal landfill, as we are the only city in the Valley offering this type of energy project,” said Stuart Kent, field operations director. “We have been operating this landfill since 1973, and anticipate continuing for another 40 years. As a result, this renewable energy opportunity will reach thousands of homes throughout the years.”