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Steuben County: A Pioneer in the Landfill Gas to Energy Industry

Waga Energy and Steuben County partnered to build a WAGABOX® unit at the New Bath Landfill in New York. As the first WAGABOX® unit in the United States, Steuben County has set a precedent for landfill gas to renewable natural gas upgrading in the US.

Steuben County released a request for proposals (RFP) for renewable natural gas projects, utilizing the landfill gas formed at the New Bath Landfill. After a competitive process, Waga Energy was selected as the main developer for this project, and Steuben County gave Waga Energy the opportunity to build the first WAGABOX® facility in the US.

This 20-year agreement brings revenue to the landfill while supporting the circular economy and powering the local community with a clean and renewable source of energy.

With an installed capacity of more than 205,000 MMBtu of RNG per year, the new facility will generate the energy equivalent of 1.5 million gallons of diesel fuel. By replacing fossil fuels, it will avoid approximately 15,800 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually, helping advance the fight against climate change.

The Scott Area Landfill is operated by the Waste Commission of Scott County on a site leased from Linwood Mining and Minerals. The landfill processes around 185,000 tons of waste each year from 17 municipalities across Scott County. By transforming landfill gas into a valuable energy source, the project demonstrates the power of innovation and collaboration to turn waste into a clean, circular energy solution.

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Steuben County, NY

Established in March 1796, Steuben County covers 1,397 square miles with a population of approximately 94,000 people living in rural agricultural areas, quaint small towns, and small city communities.

The New Bath Landfill has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1970s. Acquiring three closed landfills: Wayland, Prattsburgh, and Lindley, and establishing transfer stations in Hornell, Wayland, and Erwin, marked crucial milestones in its Local Solid Waste Management Plan. Under the leadership of commissioners like Bob Reed and Tom Hager, alongside assistant commissioners like Myron Crouch and Rich Dunn, the landfill expanded and modernized, opening of the New Bath Landfill in 1988.

Recycling programs began in the 1980s, reflecting a commitment to sustainability amidst significant waste intake. The dedication to environmental responsibility continued with initiatives such as the establishment of a Leachate Pre-Treatment Plant in 1995. Over time, leadership transitions saw individuals like Vince Spaglonetti, Eric Rose, and Steve Orcutt guiding the landfill into the present day, where it boasts six cells, employs 26 individuals, and features innovative technology like the WAGABOX® unit.

“Map of the U.S. state of Iowa with Scott County and the Scott Area Landfill in Davenport clearly marked

Location of the Scott County Landfill in Iowa, USA

"The Wagateam demonstrated that they had great technical and professional resources to develop this project."

Eric Rose, Commissioner of Public Works, Steuben County NY

1k

scfm of landfill gas upgraded into renewable natural gas

13,5k

tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions avoided annually

207k

MMBtu of RNG injected directly into Corning Natural Gas' network annually

Developed and patented by Waga Energy, the revolutionary WAGABOX® technology makes it possible to convert landfill gas into renewable natural gas.

The WAGABOX® technology combines two cutting-edge systems for upgrading biogas derived from waste, ensuring that the RNG produced by our units meets the standards for injection into natural gas pipelines.

The WAGABOX® technology creates new opportunities for landfill gas recovery that combine energy generation, environmental compliance, and economic benefits.

The WAGABOX® technology is already in use at multiple landfill sites around the world owned by local authorities and leading waste management companies.

WAGABOX® Technology Illustration

WAGABOX® Technology Illustration

From Local Resources to Clean Energy: Scott County and Linwood’s Circular Economy Project

Diagram illustrating the landfill gas-to-biomethane process: from waste production and collection to landfill storage, biogas capture, purification using a WAGABOX® unit, injection into the gas grid, and final biomethane use.

The landfill gas-to-biomethane process: from waste production and collection to landfill storage, biogas capture, purification using a WAGABOX® unit, injection into the gas grid, and final biomethane use.

Steuben County, Waga Energy and Corning Natural Gas officially inaugurate an innovative RNG production unit at the Bath Landfill in New York

On May 16th, 2024, Waga Energy, Steuben County, and Corning Natural Gas celebrated the official inauguration of the WAGABOX® commissioning in Bath, NY. Speeches were held by Kelly Fitzpatrick, Chairwoman of Steuben County, Guénaël Prince, CEO of Waga Energy Inc., and Mike German, CEO of Corning Natural Gas. A ribbon cutting ceremony and guided tours of the WAGABOX® unit followed shortly after, along with an educational tour of the landfill on a bus. Approximately 80 guests attended the event.

WAGABOX® unit inauguration ceremony at Steuben County landfill site

Ribbon cutting during the inauguration of the Steuben County WAGABOX® unit.

Read the press release

At a glance

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New RNG facility launched in Iowa

Waga Energy installs a 1000 scfm WAGABOX® unit at Scott Area Landfill, converting waste gas into renewable natural gas.

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Strong environmental impact

The project produces over 205,000 MMBtu/year and avoids ~15,800 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, supporting regional decarbonization goals.

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Circular economy in action

The project transforms 185,000 tons of yearly waste from 17 municipalities into clean, pipeline-quality energy, showcasing scalable waste-to-energy innovation.

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