ReGen Monterey is ushering in a new era of sustainable waste management by integrating innovative technologies at both its landfill and composting yard. These strategic upgrades are designed to streamline operations, reduce harmful emissions, and transform organic waste into high-quality renewable power and nutrient-rich compost. By installing advanced automated gas well systems in March 2025 and new composting technology by the end of the year, ReGen Monterey reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration in the fight against climate change.
ReGen Monterey鈥檚 nonhazardous landfill spans 315-acres with over 100 years of capacity remaining for municipal solid waste at current fill rates. As organic waste鈥攕uch as food scraps, yard trimmings and paper鈥攊s buried and compressed, it decomposes without oxygen. In this oxygen-deprived environment, methane is produced, which has a global warming potential that is roughly 25 times greater than carbon dioxide.
ReGen Monterey operates a network of over 100 landfill gas collection wells that are strategically placed throughout the site. This system channels landfill gases to a renewable power plant, where methane is converted into clean energy to power ReGen Monterey鈥檚 facility and contribute to the community power grid.
Technicians currently perform monthly manual adjustments to well controls. When measurements show low methane levels or inefficient gas capture, they fine-tune operational parameters鈥攕uch as valve settings and flow rates鈥攖o enhance system performance. While this process meets compliance standards, these manual inspections can miss rapid changes and real-time fluctuations in methane emissions due to climate conditions. The monitoring process can take up to two days.
鈥淩eGen Monterey prides itself on developing one of the first landfill gas-to-energy power plants in the nation,鈥� said Felipe Melchor, General Manager. 鈥淎fter the plant鈥檚 four decades of operation creating our own electricity, we are investing in the next generation of emission capture and renewable power systems. Automated controls will enhance our ability to fight climate change and produce more renewable energy locally.鈥�
In June 2024, ReGen Monterey partnered with Loci Controls to conduct a seven-month pilot study using Loci鈥檚 automated well technology. As part of the test, 20 devices鈥攔epresenting 20% of the landfill’s wells鈥攚ere installed to evaluate their performance. The successful pilot study increased the flow of landfill gases to the renewable power plant, resulting in a significant increase in gas quantity and quality. Over the seven-month period, the study determined that the emission reductions achieved were equivalent to removing 2,000 passenger vehicles from the road for a year.
鈥淏y moving toward automated, continuous monitoring systems, we are provided real-time data, allowing us to prevent methane emissions and improve productivity at the renewable power plant,鈥� said David Ramirez, Director of Engineering and Compliance. 鈥淩eGen Monterey is continuing a tradition and commitment to being an industry leader in innovation and emissions control.鈥�
In January, ReGen Monterey鈥檚 Board of Directors approved an expansion of automated wells to cover the entire landfill at a cost of $828,187. This technology enables ReGen Monterey to exceed current regulations for methane capture and reduction. Once fully implemented, the system will enable ReGen Monterey to cut greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 13,000 passenger vehicles from the road annually while also reducing odors and contributing to landfill emissions research.
In the past couple of years, ReGen has opened its doors as a research facility by hosting university research that includes the testing of methane-detection rover prototypes on the landfill. Deployed by University of California, Berkeley research students, these four-legged rovers can cover large areas quickly, provide real-time data and reduce the need for technicians to conduct manual, on-foot inspections in potentially hazardous environments.
In addition to advanced technologies on the landfill, ReGen Monterey has successfully partnered with the community to divert organic material to our composting operations. Under SB 1383, California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, residents and businesses are required to separate their food waste from garbage carts. This proactive participation not only reduces methane production but also fosters a circular economy鈥�100% of ReGen Monterey鈥檚 compost is utilized for Monterey and Santa Cruz County agriculture. ReGen Monterey is recognized as a state leader due to our readiness to successfully implement this historic law.
By the end of the year, $7 million will be invested into our composting yard to introduce covered aerated static pile (CASP) technology, which includes $3 million in CalRecycle grants. CASP technology helps accelerate the composting process, enhance operations and product quality, and reduce odors and greenhouse gas emissions. With the increasing volume of food waste due to SB 1383, ReGen Monterey鈥檚 investments to our composting yard is another innovative step to divert organic materials from the landfill, significantly cut emissions and produce quality compost for local farms.
“We’re excited about the forward progress of our agency in cooperation with our community,鈥� said Melchor. 鈥淓very innovation not only refines our operations but also strengthens our collective effort to fight climate change. We are grateful to the ReGen Board of Directors for their commitment to ensuring ReGen Monterey remains a leader in environmentally sustainable waste management.”
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