The McKean RNG facility in Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania, is now producing biomethane, marking the completion of a three-project development program launched jointly by Casella Waste Systems and Waga Energy in 2023.
The startup of the facility represents another step forward in the deployment of landfill gas-to-RNG projects across the northeastern United States. By converting landfill gas into a renewable substitute for fossil natural gas, the project contributes to both local energy production and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
A new source of renewable energy for Pennsylvania
At the heart of the facility is Waga Energy’s patented WAGABOX® technology, which upgrades landfill gas into biomethane that meets pipeline specifications.
Designed to process up to 2,000 standard cubic feet of landfill gas per minute, the facility is expected to produce as much as 120 GWh of biomethane annually. Output will increase progressively as additional landfill gas becomes available from the site over time.
The renewable gas generated at McKean is delivered directly into the National Fuel Gas network, helping supply homes and businesses with a locally produced source of renewable energy.
Turning landfill gas into long-term value
Landfills continuously generate methane-rich gas as organic materials decompose. Rather than allowing this resource to go unused, biomethane projects capture and upgrade the gas so it can be injected into existing natural gas infrastructure and used in a variety of applications.
According to EPA methodology, the McKean project is expected to prevent approximately 31,000 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions each year, while supporting the transition toward lower-carbon energy systems.
Completing a three-facility program
McKean is the third biomethane facility developed through the collaboration between Casella Waste Systems and Waga Energy. Its commissioning follows the successful startup of the Chemung County and Hyland facilities earlier in 2026.
Together, the three projects fulfill the development program announced by the two companies in 2023 and illustrate a shared commitment to expanding renewable gas production from landfill sites.
Under the partnership model, Waga Energy financed, built, and now operates the facilities, while both companies benefit from the revenue generated through biomethane sales. The approach aligns the interests of both partners over the long term and supports the continued development of renewable energy infrastructure.
“Bringing this facility online at our McKean Landfill is another important step in our efforts to recover more value from the materials we manage. Our partnership with Waga Energy has always been focused on leveraging each other’s strengths to drive economic and environmental benefits, and it’s extremely gratifying to see the third facility come online and producing as anticipated.”
Ned Coletta, President and CEO of Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
“The commissioning of the McKean WAGABOX® unit is a strong testament to the commitment and execution capabilities of the Casella and Waga Energy teams. This project also demonstrates the strength of a partnership model that creates long-term value for both partners by transforming landfill gas into a reliable source of renewable energy.”
Guénaël Prince, Chief Executive Officer of Waga Energy Inc.