In the United States (US), the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment and Waste Management (WM) have announced a "groundbreaking collaboration" to develop Colorado’s largest renewable natural gas (RNG) facility at the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) landfill.
According to a statement, this innovative project marks a major milestone in Denver’s commitment to sustainability, air quality, and climate action.
The facility will be the first landfill gas-to-RNG plant in Colorado, joining a growing network of more than 536 RNG plants across North America.
While other RNG facilities in the state process wastewater or agricultural waste, this will be the first to convert landfill gas into clean, usable energy.
Denver is confronting the climate crisis head-on. This is a bold example of how we can move aggressively toward clean, renewable energy, while also supporting innovation and economic growth for a cleaner, more vibrant Denver, said Mayor Mike Johnston.
Reduce climate impact and expand renewables
Denver’s City Council voted on December 1, 2025, to approve an agreement for WM to finance, build, and operate the facility. In exchange, the city will receive a royalty payment on revenue generated.
Landfills generate landfill gas (LFG) as organic waste breaks down. At Denver’s municipal landfill (DADS), about a third of its LFG is currently captured and used to generate electricity.
The remaining landfill gas is “flared,” or burned off, in accordance with air permitting guidelines.
The new RNG facility will instead capture and refine almost all of the LFG at the Denver municipal landfill, removing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other impurities to produce pipeline-quality gas that is nearly chemically identical to fossil natural gas but with a significantly lower carbon footprint.
WM is proud to help expand renewable energy in the Denver area and Colorado as part of our long-term sustainability strategy. This project can help provide a local, sustainable energy source for our local communities. We are grateful to state and local officials for their collaboration and commitment in making this project a success, said David Brannon, Area Vice President, WM Four Corners.
By reducing the need for flaring, the project is expected to help cut emissions of ozone precursors and other pollutants, thereby helping improve regional air quality.
Build on existing partnership
This project is a key component of Denver’s broader climate strategy and a model for regional collaboration.
The City and County of Denver owns the Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) and has contracted with WM for landfill operations since 1990.
Together, Denver and WM have invested in projects that ensure DADS is a leader in landfill sustainability efforts, including the adjacent community solar gardens, a state-of-the-art mixed recycling facility, and expanded composting and asphalt and concrete recycling.
By transforming waste into renewable energy, the RNG facility will help Denver and its neighboring communities move toward cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and a more sustainable energy future.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with the facility projected to be operational in 2027.
