Waga Energy has been selected to build, own, and operate a renewable natural gas production facility at the Eco-Hill Landfill in Atkinson, Illinois, according to an official corporate announcement released on September 15, 2026. The project, developed in partnership with Lakeshore Recycling Systems affiliate sites, aims to convert waste-derived gases into pipeline-quality energy for regional distribution by 2028.
Project Scope and Technological Infrastructure
According to corporate filings from Waga Energy, the new facility will feature an initial processing capacity of 3,000 standard cubic feet per minute. The site will utilize the proprietary WAGABOX technology to upgrade raw landfill gas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas suitable for direct injection into the local utility grid. Once fully operational, the Atkinson facility is projected to yield approximately 610,000 MMBtu of biomethane annually.
The facility will draw its supply from the existing gas collection infrastructure at the Eco-Hill Landfill, which currently burns off the captured gases via flares. By redirecting this gas into the purification system, the project establishes a functional energy recovery outlet for waste collected predominantly throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Public records indicate that the landfill currently receives more than 1 million metric tons of municipal solid waste each year.
Environmental Impact and Emissions Reduction
Environmental projections issued by Waga Energy and calculated using United States Environmental Protection Agency methodologies show that substituting fossil natural gas with the site’s biomethane will prevent the release of approximately 47,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.
“Partnering with Waga Energy to convert landfill gas into clean, renewable energy strengthens our region and demonstrates our commitment to sustainability,” stated Matt Spencer, CEO of Lakeshore Recycling Systems, in the September 15 announcement. Spencer added that the infrastructure initiative directly addresses greenhouse gas emissions while meeting customer expectations for corporate environmental stewardship.
Financial Agreements and Timeline
Under the terms of the long-term agreement finalized between the two companies, Waga Energy will assume full financial responsibility for constructing the production unit and marketing the resulting biomethane. In exchange, the Eco-Hill Landfill will obtain a designated percentage of the revenues generated through commercial gas sales.
“We are honored to partner with LRS on this project,” stated Guénaël Prince, co-founder and CEO of Waga Energy Inc. “By producing high-quality RNG on site, we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide the community with a reliable, local and renewable source of energy.”
Construction planning is underway, with commercial operations scheduled to commence in 2028. The initiative expands Waga Energy’s international operational footprint, which currently spans 38 active biomethane production units across France, Spain, Canada, and the United States, alongside 20 additional facilities currently under development worldwide.
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