The Yancey-Mitchell Construction and Demolition debris (C&D) landfill is in the process of being closed.  As a result, Yancey and Mitchell Counties must transport their C&D waste outside of the two County area.  Currently, the two Counties pay a fee per ton of hauled waste.  Wood waste comprises a large portion of the C&D waste generated within the two Counties, some estimates suggest as much as 50%.  EnergyXchange has partnered with Yancey County to develop waste-to-energy and renewable energy projects to help offset the cost associated with hauling waste out of the County.

EnergyXchange is conducting a waste and logistics survey to determine the viability of alternate energy sources to supplement the landfill gas currently used for space heating and greenhouse heating, and for fueling the glass studio equipment and the pottery kiln.  Assuming wood waste is the most viable option, Yancey County and EnergyXchange plan to use funds acquired from the Department of Energy to purchase, install, and start-up a waste-to-energy system.

Throughout the Southeast, approximately 38% of waste at C&D landfills is wood.  EnergyXchange hopes to serve as a demonstration site for sustainable waste-to-energy systems throughout the region.