One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

At least that’s the case for two waste-to-energy companies eyeing the Southeast Berrien County Landfill, a facility owned by five local municipalities.

The landfill authority board heard a presentation last week from EnerTech of Fisher, Ind. and Engergime of Everett, Wash. about converting tires and other waste into synthetic diesel fuel.

Landfill manager Sonny Fuller said the board has formed a committee that is currently in negotiations with the companies trying to reach a deal.

“We’re trying to see if it’s a direction that we want to go,” Fuller said.

Jim Kidwell, a member of the authority board who has been a major proponent for selling the landfill, said board members are unable to share many details of the potential plan at this point.

But he did say it would be the “greatest thing the landfill could have right now.”

Authority board chairman Bill Weimer said the companies are looking for a long-term lease of land and airspace from the landfill, but the companies would make the investment to install the technology.

Weimer also said that if they reach a deal, the project would bring jobs to the community, but he couldn’t say just how many.

“It’s hard to say,” he said. “But in this area, obviously any kind of new jobs is a very good thing.”

The landfill board and the companies are still in the early stages of negotiations but Weimer is hopeful that a deal can be worked out.

“From what I can see and hear of the project, it looks very favorable for all the communities represented,” Weimer said.

The landfill, located on Mayflower Road in Bertrand Township, is owned by the cities of Niles and Buchanan and Niles, Buchanan and Bertrand townships. Representatives on the board have been debating whether to sell the landfill for more than a year.