Newcastle City Council says it has collected and recycled over 300 tonnes of food waste from households as part of a new trial.
The local authority says the trial has generated 750,000 kWh of renewable energy, enough to power 281 homes or heat 67 homes for a year.
Launched in September 2024, the trial diverts food waste to a biogas facility in Wardley, Gateshead, where it is processed alongside other organic materials.
Through anaerobic digestion, the waste is transformed into biogas, which is then used in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engines to produce renewable electricity and heat.
Alternatively, the biogas can be upgraded to meet National Grid standards and supplied as renewable gas.
The council says the process also yields 198 tonnes of nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser, which is distributed to local farms, supporting sustainable agriculture in the region.
It’s fantastic to see our residents embracing this initiative.
Over eight months, the trial has been rolled out to 5,200 households across six wards, Kingston Park South, Newbiggin Hall, Blakelaw, West Fenham, Benwell and Scotswood, and Wingrove.
Cllr Alex Hay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, praised the community’s involvement in the trial: “It’s fantastic to see our residents embracing this initiative.
“Not only are we generating clean energy with a net zero carbon impact, but we’re also producing high-quality fertiliser that enhances soil health across the region.
“This trial is a vital step in improving recycling citywide, and the insights gained will help us roll out the scheme more effectively.”
The initiative anticipates the requirements of the Environment Act 2021, which mandates all councils in England to implement food waste collections by March 2026.
