The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio’s (SWACO) Green Energy Center has received an Innovation Award of Excellence from The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). The center converts landfill methane into compressed natural gas that can be used as vehicle fuel.

“We believe our first-of-a-kind Green Energy Center is the wave of the future,” said Ron Mills, executive director of SWACO, in a press release. “This process can help solve America’s future energy needs if it is applied at landfills across the country. SWANA’s award shows that our industry recognizes this potential. We appreciate the vote of confidence.”

“SWANA is pleased to honor SWACO for the organization’s pioneering accomplishments on the green energy front,” added John Skinner, SWANA’s executive director and CEO, in the press release. “This commitment to advancing solid waste management is outstanding, and we are very proud of SWACO’s efforts. The Green Energy Center shows how America’s throwaways are actually resources waiting to be discovered.”

The Green Energy Center also has received awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission.