BHS partners with Napa Recycling and City of Napa for renewable natural gas facility

The project includes a Zero Waste Energy dry anaerobic digestion system.

The new dry anaerobic digestion and renewable natural gas facility, site rendering pictured above, enhances the existing composting system by capturing and sequestering harmful greenhouse gases and creating a renewable fuel source in the process.

Eugene, Oregon, March 2026 – In a unique Public-Private Partnership, BHS (Bulk Handling Systems) is partnering with Napa Recycling and Waste Services (Napa Recycling) and the City of Napa in the development and operation of an industry-leading dry anaerobic digestion and renewable natural gas (AD-RNG) facility at the existing Napa Recycling and Composting Facility.

“We are excited to be partnering with the City of Napa, and Napa Recycling on this important carbon reducing project,” said Eric Herbert, President of Zero Waste Energy and BHS.

The AD-RNG facility features Zero Waste Energy’s SMARTFERM® Plug Flow system which is specially designed to recover the energy content from Napa Recycling’s existing organic waste stream in the form of biogas. The facility will provide the City of Napa with the ability to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) while also significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“This project virtually eliminates methane emissions from organic waste being disposed of from the service area,” said Herbert. “Additionally, we will also replace the fossil fuel derived gas used by the trucking fleet with renewable natural gas generated from organic waste converted onsite. A truly circular solution.”

The AD-RNG facility is estimated to generate up to 500,000 diesel gallon equivalents of CNG annually; enough to power approximately 50 heavy-duty waste collection trucks or similar high mileage vehicles per year. The renewable natural gas (RNG) generated will be used to fuel Napa Recycling’s fleet of waste collection trucks. The facility can also utilize its RNG to generate electricity for the fleet should local regulations require refuse and recycling fleets to transition to electric-only vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to the composting program at the Napa Recycling and Composting Facility?
The composting program at the Napa Recycling and Composting Facility will continue. Instead of being sorted and processed straight to composting, a portion of the organic waste will feed the new anaerobic digestion system. The remaining solids will be diverted to the existing composting system.

Who is Zero Waste Energy?
Zero Waste Energy (ZWE) is the organics technology division of BHS. Specializing in systems engineering and development in anaerobic digestion and compost, ZWE has over 15 years in the industry. Developed by ZWE and utilized by BHS, anaerobic digestion technology is widely used to meet sustainability and organic waste reduction goals.

What is SMARTFERM®?
SMARTFERM® is an advanced, dry anaerobic digestion technology designed to transform organic waste into renewable biogas, high-grade compost, and electricity. It provides a closed-loop solution for the waste industry, converting waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) to power collection vehicles while reducing landfill usage.

Where can I learn more about the Napa Renewable Resources project?

Related resources and references

For more information about this topic please contact BHS marketing department at 541-868-1313 or marketing@bhsequip.com.


Zero Waste Energy (ZWE) is a global project developer utilizing patented anaerobic digestion (AD) technology and resource recovery processes to solve pressing problems in the waste industry throughout North America. Founded in 2009 by parent company Bulk Handling Sysmtems (BHS), ZWE designs, builds, and operates integrated solid waste facilities that efficiently optimize waste diversion and generate renewable energy in an environmentally sound manner. Collectively, ZWE’s management team has over 100 years of experience in solid waste, recycling, composting and biogas recovery.