Waste Management of the Inland Empire

As North America’s largest recycler, we processed 5.8 million tons of commodities in 2005, saving more than 41 million trees and enough energy to power about 848,000 households.

By recycling 1.7 million tons of cardboard, we recycles more than 6.8 billion boxes each year

Landfill Gas-to-Energy Program

Since April 2004, the El Sobrante Landfill and recycling Center has operated three landfill gas-to-energy generators that transform methane gas into electricity and power 3,800 homes each day. Southern California Edison contracts with us to buy the energy, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

The gas-to-energy facility generates electricity that significantly lowers air emissions and is one of the largest and cleanest burning facilities of its kind in the world. As the landfill fills, the amount of available methane will increase, increasing the potential for more green power.

The 3.8 megawatts, which are produced by capturing landfill methane gas, a natural by-product of decomposing garbage, are fed directly to the local power grid. Methane gas is captured in a series of wells throughout the landfill, which is then fed into an internal combustion engine where it is converted into electricity.

Waste Management gas to energy facility currently captures natural gas to turn it into energy. This process helps us close the loop on the waste stream, taking what would otherwise be wasted and putting it to good use - it's a complete circle and a great use of an abundantly available resource.

Many landfills simply "flare" off excess methane gas generated by landfill decomposition. This process, however, only wastes the potential energy produced by landfills. Waste Management has always sought ways to manage the waste stream more effectively and efficiently. Our landfill gas-to-energy program is a model for the country and demonstrates Waste Management's commitment to managing resources for the improvement of the communities in which we are located."

Waste Management's 100 renewable energy projects produce enough electricity to power more than 800,000 homes and save the equivalent of 8.2 million barrels of oil per year. We currently supply enough landfill gas to create more than 250 megawatts of green energy - enough to power 225,000 homes, replacing over 2 million barrels of oil per year.

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