#United States #Sacramento #LoCI Controls #Yolo County #Low Carbon Fuel Standard

California Landfill Achieves Unprecedented Carbon-Negative Status

In a groundbreaking achievement for waste management and environmental sustainability, the Yolo County Central Landfill (YCCL) in California has been certified as the most carbon-negative landfill gas project to date. This distinction comes courtesy of a new real-time data monitoring and control system developed by LoCI Controls, which recently received approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

Advances in Technology and Emission Reduction

As landfills account for approximately 20% of the state’s methane emissions, the introduction of this innovative LCFS pathway is a critical step in advancing California's environmental goals. The LoCI Controls system, installed at YCCL in 2023, has significantly enhanced methane capture efforts and reduced emissions, marking a vital breakthrough in landfill technology. With a provisional carbon intensity (CI) score of –101 gCO₂e/MJ, this project has not only outperformed traditional landfill electricity projects but has also set a new standard in emission reductions.

Typically, landfill energy projects report CI scores within a range of 40-50 gCO₂e/MJ. The negative CI score achieved by YCCL indicates that it successfully absorbs more greenhouse gases than it emits. This remarkable achievement illustrates the potential for modern technology to transform landfills from mere waste disposal sites into valuable sources of renewable energy, aligning with California's ambitious carbon reduction goals.

Economic Benefits for Landfill Operators

What sets this achievement apart is its financial implications for landfill operators. As the carbon intensity scores grow more negative, the value of LCFS credits increases, turning landfill electricity into a viable and profitable clean fuel source. Peter Quigley, CEO of LoCI Controls, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re honored that CARB has recognized our work with this approval. It’s proof that being a sustainable landfill doesn’t mean sacrificing revenue; it means creating it.” With the new LCFS pathway in place, landfill operators can expect stronger economic outcomes alongside measurable environmental benefits.

Validation and Research Support

The verification of YCCL’s additional methane capture, made possible by LoCI Controls’ automated data, was substantiated by CARB staff using a peer-reviewed methodology. Moreover, independent verification from TÜV SÜD America further solidified the project's credibility. Research by Energy Vision also supports the effectiveness of advanced landfill technology, indicating that implementing such controls could eliminate nearly half of the methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfills in the U.S.

Matt Tomich, President of Energy Vision, remarked, “This milestone approval makes the business case for adopting advanced landfill tech even more compelling. With the right technology, landfills can become one of the lowest-cost, highest-impact strategies in mitigating methane emissions and advancing a low-carbon future.”

Looking Ahead

LoCI Controls has established itself as a leader in real-time data management and methane emission reduction strategies. Founded by MIT graduates in 2012, the company optimizes landfill gas collection through on-site measurement and cloud-based analytics. With over 4,000 measurement locations across 25 U.S. states and a portfolio of more than 55 patents, LoCI Controls has created a robust framework for environmentally responsible landfill management.

As California continues to navigate the complexities of waste management and emissions reduction, the Yolo County Central Landfill's bold steps serve as a powerful reminder of how innovative technology can help facilitate a more sustainable future. The successful implementation of the LoCI Controls system not only underscores the importance of comprehensive environmental strategies but also paves the way for a greener economy, maximizing both ecological and economic returns.

Visiting LoCI's website at locicontrols.com provides additional insights into their ongoing projects and future innovations aimed at enhancing landfill sustainability across the nation.