Recology Pacheco Pass - Waste-to-Energy Plant in Gilroy, California

Recology Pacheco Pass is a waste-to-energy facility located at 3675 Pacheco Pass Highway in Gilroy, California, within Santa Clara County. The plant is operational and processes municipal solid waste to generate energy, contributing to California's waste diversion and renewable energy goals. As a waste-to-energy plant, the facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA, including RCRA Subtitle D for solid waste management and Clean Air Act standards for emissions. California's stringent environmental regulations, such as AB 939 and the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, further govern its operations, emphasizing landfill diversion and methane reduction. The plant plays a key role in reducing landfill dependence in the region, converting waste into electricity while managing air emissions through modern pollution control technologies. Its location in Santa Clara County supports the area's circular economy efforts by recovering energy from non-recyclable waste.

The facility is situated in Gilroy, California, a region with a Mediterranean climate and proximity to the Santa Clara Valley. Waste-to-energy plants like Recology Pacheco Pass help mitigate methane emissions from landfills by combusting waste and generating energy. The plant's operations are subject to strict air quality regulations under the California Air Resources Board, ensuring minimal impact on local communities and groundwater resources.