Georgia Power recently signed a long-term contract with Waste Management that will produce electricity from landfill gas. The contract will take effect after Georgia Public Service Commission approval.

Georgia Power and Waste Management Renewable Energy LLC entered into a 10-year deal for electricity that will be generated from everyday household trash. The power will come from Waste Management's new energy-generating facility at its Superior Landfill and Recycling Center in Savannah, Ga.

According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data, the facility developed by Waste Management is among the largest in Georgia and the Southeast. The methane gas used to make electricity comes from natural decomposition of the garbage disposed at the landfill.

The agreement will provide Georgia Power with 100 percent of the renewable energy annually from Waste Management's 6.4 megawatt facility in Savannah, Georgia, as well as the associated renewable energy credits. One megawatt is enough energy to supply approximately 250 Georgia residences.

Georgia Power selected Waste Management from a number of independent renewable generators who submitted bids through the company's green request for proposals issued in April 2009. The energy from Superior Landfill will be used to help grow Georgia Power's Green Energy program.

Landfill gas is produced when microorganisms break down organic material in the landfill. The resulting gas is comprised of approximately 50-60 percent methane. Waste Management collects methane and uses it to fuel on-site engines or turbines, generating electricity to power surrounding homes and neighborhoods.