Building a Greener Future Together: Kern County Launches SG-Powered Compost Facility
Sustainable Generation is proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Shafter-Wasco Compost Facility in Kern County, California, a landmark achievement powered by SG Advanced Composting™ Technology and GORE® Cover. Officially unveiled on October 14, 2025, the facility represents a significant milestone for both the County and the State of California in meeting ambitious organics diversion and air quality goals.
Kern County Public Works selected Sustainable Generation’s system for one critical reason: proven performance under the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s strict regulations. According to Kern County’s Public Works Manager, Dave Lee, “SG’s technology with GORE® Cover were a key factor in our decision. It’s a proven system that delivers verified emissions control and pathogen reduction — exactly what we needed to meet our VOC compliance requirements. Just as important, we knew Sustainable Generation would be beside us through every phase of commissioning and operation.” The new facility includes 32 SG Bunker® System capable of processing over 100,000 tons of organic waste annually and producing 40,000 tons of high-quality compost for agricultural and community use.
“From early design through construction and start-up, Sustainable Generation provided hands-on expertise and full-service support to ensure a smooth and successful launch,” said Chuck Magee, former Kern County’s Public Works Manager. Cesar Mendoza, SG Technical Manager Service & Sales further explained, “Our team worked closely with Kern County’s engineers from day one. We helped identify design efficiencies, supported the permitting process, and guided the commissioning phase with on-site training and system testing, all part of our turnkey approach.” County staff participated in multi-day training sessions led by SG’s operations team, combining classroom instruction with in-field learning at another SG facility to prepare for operations.
The Shafter-Wasco facility demonstrates how Sustainable Generation’s technology delivers in-vessel results without the cost and complexity of enclosed buildings. Its integrated aeration and monitoring systems ensure consistent temperature and oxygen control, while GORE® Covers minimize odors and emissions creating a scalable, low-energy solution that helps communities meet SB 1383 organics diversion mandates. Dave Lee noted: “The SG system is helping us meet state requirements while preserving landfill space, reducing methane, and producing compost that improves local soils. The combination of environmental performance and customer support has been exceptional.”
Funded in part by a $10 million CalRecycle Organics Grant, the project stands as one of California’s most advanced and environmentally responsible composting operations and a
model for how public-private collaboration can accelerate sustainable infrastructure. Scott Woods, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Generation, shared, “Our goal is to make composting simpler, smarter, and more sustainable. The Shafter-Wasco facility is a great example of what’s possible when technology, teamwork, and a shared vision for sustainability come together.”
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Building a Greener Future Together: Kern County Launches SG-Powered Compost Facility
Sustainable Generation is proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Shafter-Wasco Compost Facility
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What our customers are saying…
“The Sustainable Generation® team provided us with outstanding hands-on assistance as we learned to use their system. We retrofit our existing positive air ASP system, which used a compost cap, by upgrading to the SG Mobile® System with GORE® Cover so we could address environmental and community concerns about odors and vector control, and also so we could scale up and expand our composting operation."
Justin Green, Executive Director & Founder Big Reuse
"With disposal and transportation costs increasing with no end in sight, plus an abundance of yard debris from our community, we decided to try biosolids composting at our Wastewater Treatment Plant to reduce our costs and create a Class A product. We went with the SG Mobile® System with GORE® Covers. The ease of operation and the cost savings made this a natural fit. The final product has been a huge hit with the locals who can't get enough Class A compost. We recently doubled the size of our composting operation to keep up with our increasing volumes and demand. This system is easily scalable to meet future demands."
Mike Miller, Public Works Director, City of Florence, Oregon
"We had no composting experience, so conducting a demonstration project with Sustainable Generation® greatly enhanced our understanding of food waste composting and helped us immensely with our subsequent expansion design process. During the selection process, it made a difference that SG's technology was already a proven solution for meeting VOC emission reductions for our San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District."
Jonathan Kalpakoff, VP Mid Valley Disposal
“The Sustainable Generation® team provided us with outstanding hands-on assistance as we learned to use their system. We retrofit our existing positive air ASP system, which used a compost cap, by upgrading to the SG Mobile® System with GORE® Cover so we could address environmental and community concerns about odors and vector control, and also so we could scale up and expand our composting operation."
Justin Green, Executive Director & Founder Big Reuse
"With disposal and transportation costs increasing with no end in sight, plus an abundance of yard debris from our community, we decided to try biosolids composting at our Wastewater Treatment Plant to reduce our costs and create a Class A product. We went with the SG Mobile® System with GORE® Covers. The ease of operation and the cost savings made this a natural fit. The final product has been a huge hit with the locals who can't get enough Class A compost. We recently doubled the size of our composting operation to keep up with our increasing volumes and demand. This system is easily scalable to meet future demands."
Mike Miller, Public Works Director, City of Florence, Oregon
"We had no composting experience, so conducting a demonstration project with Sustainable Generation® greatly enhanced our understanding of food waste composting and helped us immensely with our subsequent expansion design process. During the selection process, it made a difference that SG's technology was already a proven solution for meeting VOC emission reductions for our San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District."