Ulster County Taps Global NRG Consortium for New Renewable Natural Gas and Organics Recovery Hub

The Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) in New York has officially selected a private consortium led by Global NRG Advisory to spearhead a major new infrastructure project. The initiative involves the development of a state-of-the-art organics recovery and renewable energy facility designed to drastically reduce landfill reliance and generate low-carbon fuel.

Located on the agency’s existing 120-acre site on Flatbush Road in Kingston, the proposed facility represents a significant shift in how the county manages municipal solid waste. The project was awarded following a request for proposals specifically aimed at identifying solutions that avoid waste incineration while maximizing resource recovery.

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The winning consortium brings together several prominent players in the waste-to-energy and engineering sectors. ARCO/Murray will serve as the designated engineering and construction partner. The facility will utilize waste treatment systems from Econward Tech and digestion equipment provided by PlanET Biogas. Van Dyk Recycling Solutions has been tapped to handle the critical front-end waste sorting and material recovery processes.

According to the UCRRA, the plant utilizes a multi-step process to treat household waste generated within the county. The system separates materials to isolate the organic fraction, which is then processed via anaerobic digestion to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) and other recovered byproducts.

The agency’s projections indicate the new infrastructure will divert approximately 60 to 70 percent of the county's waste from landfills. Furthermore, the technology is expected to recover more than 90 percent of usable organic material from the waste stream.

Chris Negus, co-founder and chief executive, of Global NRG Advisory, noted that the award underscores Ulster County’s commitment to transitioning away from landfill dependence. He emphasized that the project is designed to protect local air, soil, and water quality while simultaneously producing renewable energy.

From a decarbonization perspective, the project offers substantial environmental benefits. By treating organic waste in a controlled, enclosed facility rather than allowing it to decompose in a landfill, the system significantly reduces methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its mitigation is a primary target for New York State’s climate goals.

Project proponents also highlight localized benefits, including the reduction of odors and the minimization of pollution associated with long-distance waste transport. The facility will also feature on-site wastewater treatment capabilities to further protect water quality.

Marc Rider, executive director, of the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency, suggested the initiative could serve as a blueprint for other waste authorities in New York and across the United States. He pointed to the growing pressure on municipalities to address shrinking landfill capacity and the escalating costs of waste disposal.

The project is currently in the review and contract negotiation phase. Following the conclusion of these negotiations, the timeline will shift to detailed design, regulatory approvals, and public consultations before construction and commissioning begin.