Vanguard Renewables Opens Anaerobic Digestion and Depackaging Facility at Dinnerbell Farms in Eden, Wisconsin

EDEN, WI (May 2025)  — Vanguard Renewables, a national leader in organics recycling and renewable energy, is proud to announce the opening of its newest anaerobic digestion and depackaging facility, located at Dinnerbell Farms, a family-owned dairy farm in Eden, Wisconsin.

This innovative facility marks a significant step forward in advancing circular economy and regenerative farming practices across the Midwest. The site will transform food and beverage waste, including both packaged and unpackaged materials, into renewable natural gas (RNG), liquid digestate for land application, and high-quality animal bedding, supporting soil health and long-term farm viability.

“With Dinnerbell Farms and our feedstock partners, we are not only keeping food waste out of landfills but creating meaningful value for local farms and food producers,” said Michael O’Laughlin, CEO at Vanguard Renewables. “This facility exemplifies how both food and beverage waste can become a resource, supporting the farming community while offering manufacturers and retailers a scalable, cost-effective way to de-risk their operations and meet sustainability goals.”

Already nearing full capacity, the Eden facility is currently seeking select types of feedstocks to round out its intake mix. Ideal partners include companies in retail, food manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, cold storage, distribution, and organic materials management.

For food and beverage companies navigating regulatory pressures, rising landfill costs, and Scope 3 emissions mandates, anaerobic digestion offers an effective solution to reduce environmental impact and operational risk, without compromising cost efficiency.

A second Wisconsin site, Peterson Family Dairy, in River Falls—just 30 minutes east of Minneapolis/St. Paul—is also underway and will begin accepting materials later this year.

“At Johnsonville, we’re always looking for smart, responsible ways to reduce waste and operate more sustainably. Partnering with Vanguard Renewables allows us to turn organic materials into clean, renewable energy – right here in Wisconsin.  It’s a solution that aligns with our commitment to innovation, stewardship, and strengthening the communities we serve.” Stacy Gantner, Senior Director-Global E2E Supply Chain Finance & Enterprise Sustainability, Johnsonville, LLC

The renewable natural gas (RNG) generated by Vanguard’s projects is purchased by companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint—especially those with high energy usage and operations that are difficult to electrify.

Vanguard Renewables is actively developing new sites and is in various stages of siting and permitting in over 30 markets nationwide.

About Vanguard Renewables

Vanguard Renewables partners with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and farms nationwide to convert organic waste into renewable energy. With a mission to help companies advance toward zero waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and tell a powerful circularity story, Vanguard is leading the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock.

For media inquiries or to schedule a tour of the Eden facility, please contact:

Christina Nebel
Chief Marketing Officer
832-370-1853
[email protected]