BHS develops waste-to-energy facility at Napa’s existing compost and recycling hub
The facility will create a closed-loop solution to convert waste into renewable natural gas to power collection vehicles
In a unique public-private partnership, Bulk Handling Systems (BHS) is partnering with Napa Recycling and Waste Services (Napa Recycling), and the City of Napa in the development and operation of a dry anaerobic digestion and renewable natural gas (AD-RNG) facility at the existing Napa Recycling and Composting Facility.
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.
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.
"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.
"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."
Expanding on Napa's existing recycling and composting infrastructure
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.
