Harnessing the Power of Food Waste

Mansfield AD1 is a proposed project at Van Winkle Dairy in West Mansfield, Ohio, designed to turn organic waste into renewable energy and natural fertilizer. The facility will convert unused food and beverage waste into renewable natural gas, supporting the local economy and expanding access to regionally-produced energy.

Impact at a Glance

Sustaining American farms
As costs rise and margins tighten, this project will provide local farms with a stable, diversified source of income that helps keep land in agricultural use while protecting the rural character of the surrounding community. The process also produces a natural fertilizer that reduces reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers and lowers operating costs across approximately 3,000 acres of working farmland.
Repurposing food waste into energy
Over 40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste each year. Instead of being sent to landfills, anaerobic digestion gives this material a second life by transforming it into natural gas. The Columbus Department of Public Service states that 1 million pounds of food in Central Ohio are sent to the landfill each day.
Energy independence
The project is expected to produce enough renewable natural gas to meet the energy needs of approximately 5,350 homes. This expands access to reliable, locally produced energy by adding critical domestic infrastructure to the grid.
Economic growth & job creation
Construction is expected to support approximately 100 jobs, with 8–15 permanent, high-quality positions created once the facility is operational. These roles provide long-term employment opportunities for area residents, and the project generates new tax revenue that can help fund local schools, roads, and other public services.

About the Anaerobic Digestion Process

Vanguard Renewables uses anaerobic digestion technology to convert unsellable food and beverage waste into energy.
  • Collection: Food and beverage waste is collected and processed on-site, where packaging is separated and recycled. The remaining organic material is prepared for digestion. 
  • Conversion: Naturally occurring microorganisms break down the material in sealed, oxygen-free tanks, producing biogas.
  • Production: The biogas is upgraded into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas (RNG) and injected directly into the local pipeline.
  • ‍Reuse: The remaining material is used as a natural fertilizer and animal bedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about the Mansfield AD1 project? Explore answers to common questions about how Vanguard Renewables transforms food waste into renewable energy and supports local communities.

1. Is an anaerobic digester project safe for nearby residents?
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2. Why are anaerobic digesters important?
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3. How are anaerobic digesters different from a waste dump or plant?
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4. How do you protect our water supply?
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5. Will it create bad odors in my community?
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6. Is taxpayer money used?
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7. What about traffic and noise?
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8. How can I get in touch with you if I have more questions?
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Support Mansfield AD1 in West Mansfield

If you believe this project will benefit West Mansfield, one of the most meaningful things you can do is share your support with local officials. Our county leaders truly do listen to the people who live here. Feel free to copy, personalize, and submit the letter below.

About Vanguard Renewables

Vanguard Renewables develops and operates anaerobic digestion facilities that turn excess food and beverage waste into energy. Since 2014, the company has worked to keep organic waste out of landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and produce energy right here at home. These projects support local farms, strengthen local economies, and expand access to U.S.-produced energy.

  • 11+ years of proven operational experience
  • 765,000 tons of CO₂e mitigated
  • 1.2 million tons of food waste recycled
  • 1 million MMBtu of energy generated

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