GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Greenville County officials said Thursday they are using a new process that allows them to turn landfill gas into an energy source.

The machinery necessary for the process was built at the Old Enoree Landfill on Anderson Ridge Road.

The project is a partnership between Greenville County, Greenville Gas Producers, Duke Energy and Blanchard Caterpillar.

Officials have installed two large engines at the landfill that harness the methane gas released from the garbage dump by the natural decay of the trash.

“By using the assets we have in this old closed landfill, the production of methane gas being generated is being sold to Duke Energy and it’s going right into their power grid,” said Greenville County Councilman Butch Kirven. “We’re told this particular landfill will supply enough power for about 20 homes on an annual basis.”

Officials with the project said harnessing the methane gas and using it in a positive way keeps it from harming the environment.