Ameresco, Republic Services Open Renewable Gas Plant at Illinois Landfill
Ameresco and Republic Services have opened a renewable natural gas facility at Illinois’ Lee County Landfill, converting landfill gas into pipeline-quality fuel and cutting 61,000 metric tons of emissions annually.
(P&GJ) — Ameresco and Republic Services have launched a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at the Lee County Landfill in Dixon, Illinois, marking the 15th joint project between the two companies.
The plant, which began commercial operations in late June 2025, captures landfill gas and converts it into pipeline-quality RNG for use as a low-carbon transportation fuel. It can process about 4,500 standard cubic feet per minute of raw landfill gas, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 61,000 metric tons annually — roughly equal to eliminating emissions from 70 million gallons of gasoline.
“The Lee County RNG plant exemplifies our commitment to investing in sustainability innovation that provides impactful decarbonization solutions to the communities we serve,” said Tim Oudman, Republic Services’ senior vice president of sustainability innovations.
The facility aligns with Illinois’ target to reach 40% renewable energy by 2030 and Republic Services’ goal to beneficially reuse 50% of biogas at its sites by the same year. Ameresco said the project also supports the broader push to convert organic waste into renewable energy and advance the circular economy.
U.S. Energy is the exclusive buyer of the RNG produced at the site. “As the exclusive buyer of the pipeline-quality RNG from the Lee County facility, U.S. Energy is committed to providing companies with a clean, renewable, and reliable fuel that promotes energy independence, supports investment in the local community, and advances a sustainable future across the energy supply chain,” said Bryan Nudelbacher, vice president of renewable natural gas at U.S. Energy.