CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia's first methane-fueled power plant has started producing electricity and is expected to operate at full capacity by next month.

Charleston Clean Energy LLC built the $6 million plant at Charleston's landfill. The plant burns methane generated as a byproduct from the decomposing trash.

The company's founder, Tom Loehr, expects the landfill will produce methane for at least 30 years.

Charleston Clean Energy's lease with the city requires it to pay a royalty. City Councilman Ed Talkington says the city received $45,195 from January to September. He expects that amount to increase significantly once the plant is fully operational.