The methane digester, basically a large tank, uses the manure's natural anaerobic bacteria already present to ferment the waste, producing heat and gas. The gas, called "biogas," contains up to 80 percent methane. The gas is used by local utilities to generate electrical power.

After the digestion process, leftover manure is separated into solids and liquids. Solids are sold as high-quality compost. Liquids are used for pasture fertilizer.

Methane digesters are increasingly being considered in Oregon as a means of not only waste management, but as a method to add value to a recyclable material.