After hearing about Anderson Elementary School’s recent budget cuts, American Environmental Landfill (AEL) and its renewable energy partner Montauk Energy have decided to provide the Oklahoma-based school with an initial gift of $37,500, which will help keep electricity on at the school. In addition, the duo has committed to donating $15,000 annually.

“Working with a partner like American Environmental Landfill, who is aligned with our goal of enjoying the benefits of a triple bottom line at each of our projects–people, planet and profits–has been ideal for Montauk Energy,” said Montauk CEO Marty Ryan in a statement.  “AEL has been a tremendous partner in facilitating the commercial operation of the first renewable energy project in Oklahoma fueled by landfill gas in 2013 that continues to provide green power to residents in Osage County.”

This sustainable partnership will be responsible for more than $750,000 invested into education at the school, which is located less than a quarter mile from the landfill. And in addition to helping keep the electricity on, AEL will provide equipment needed to move playground pieces, help remediate a 60-year-old raw sewage lagoon, install a ½ mile of nature trails and an outdoor classroom, provide mowing services and lead educational tours for students so they can see the waste-to-energy landfill and honey bee farm.

“The first thing we are going to do with this donation is to replace our 12-year-old reading/education material that will affect thousands of children over a six-year period,” said Anderson Public Schools Superintendent Brett Banker in a statement. “American Environmental Landfill has been a phenomenal neighbor; Todd has been great to work with over the last several years. AEL has been making donations based off how much the school recycles using their Mr. Murph containers, brought equipment when they needed help putting in new playground pieces and even helps with mowing. Their partnership with the school has been tremendous.”