North east beefs up food waste recycling with new AD plant

Developed by food waste recycling specialist Emerald Biogas, a heavy-duty de-packaging process means the plant can deal with card, plastics and other materials often included in the form of packaging in food waste from supermarkets, fast food outlets, businesses and schools.

The biogas produced from the plant will be burned using Combined Heat and Power technology. This will produce 1.56MWh – enough energy to power 2,000 homes.

Emerald Biogas director Antony Warren said: “I am delighted with the progress made in terms of getting the plant to this stage. It is fantastic to see it up and running. We are now in the position to accept and process unwanted commercial food waste and employ the latest AD technology to create a valued commodity that will be extremely beneficial to the local business and farming community.”

Resource Management Minister Dan Rogerson added: “Dealing with waste and recycling properly is good for the environment and good for businesses, creating a stronger economy and jobs. Our AD loan fund has helped to support the development of this plant which will treat food waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and recycle valuable nutrients back to the land.”

Liz Gyekye