“We are excited to be partnering with the City of Napa, and Napa Recycling on this important carbon reducing project,” said Eric Herbert, President of Zero Waste Energy and BHS.
The AD-RNG facility features Zero Waste Energy’s SMARTFERM® Plug Flow system which is specially designed to recover the energy content from Napa Recycling’s existing organic waste stream in the form of biogas. The facility will provide the City of Napa with the ability to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) while also significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“This project virtually eliminates methane emissions from organic waste being disposed of from the service area,” said Herbert. “Additionally, we will also replace the fossil fuel derived gas used by the trucking fleet with renewable natural gas generated from organic waste converted onsite. A truly circular solution.”
The AD-RNG facility is estimated to generate up to 500,000 diesel gallon equivalents of CNG annually; enough to power approximately 50 heavy-duty waste collection trucks or similar high-mileage vehicles per year. The renewable natural gas (RNG) generated will be used to fuel Napa Recycling’s fleet of waste collection trucks. The facility can also utilize its RNG to generate electricity for the fleet should local regulations require refuse and recycling fleets to transition to electric-only vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the composting program at the Napa Recycling and Composting Facility?
The composting program at the Napa Recycling and Composting Facility will continue. Instead of being sorted and processed straight to composting, a portion of the organic waste will feed the new anaerobic digestion system. The remaining solids will be diverted to the existing composting system.
Who is Zero Waste Energy?
Zero Waste Energy (ZWE) is the organics technology division of BHS. Specializing in systems engineering and development in anaerobic digestion and compost, ZWE has over 15 years in the industry. Developed by ZWE and utilized by BHS, anaerobic digestion technology is widely used to meet sustainability and organic waste reduction goals.
What is SMARTFERM®?
SMARTFERM® is an advanced, dry anaerobic digestion technology designed to transform organic waste into renewable biogas, high-grade compost, and electricity. It provides a closed-loop solution for the waste industry, converting waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) to power collection vehicles while reducing landfill usage.
Where can I learn more about the Napa Renewable Resources project?
- City of Napa Solid Waste & Recycling Division: https://www.cityofnapa.org/488/Solid-Waste-Recycling-Division
- Napa Recycling & Waste Services: http://naparecycling.com/
- Zero Waste Energy website: https://zerowasteenergy.com/our-projects/city-napa-napa-recycling-waste-services/
Related resources and references
- Rep. Mike Thompson applauds Napa Renewable Natural Gas project powered by Inflation Reduction Act tax credits
- The Press Democrat coverage on the February 3 Napa City Council Meeting
- CalRecycle grant award
- February 3 Napa City Council meeting
- The Business of Trash, Q&A with Kevin Miller, City of Napa
