Darlington Borough Council has released a video showing how food waste collected from homes across the borough is converted into green energy and biofuel. The announcement coincides with the milestone that 530 tonnes of food waste have been recycled in the last 12 weeks since collections began on 2 June.
Food waste collected from Darlington homes is transported to Bio Capital's Warrens Emerald facility in Newton Aycliffe, where it is weighed, inspected and sorted. The waste then undergoes anaerobic digestion — a process in which microorganisms break down the material in an enclosed oxygen-free tank.
From waste to energy
The anaerobic digestion process produces low-carbon biogas, which is transformed into green energy and fed into the national grid to power homes and businesses. The same process also creates compressed natural gas, a low-carbon biofuel for vehicles.
What remains after digestion is a nutrient-rich organic biofertiliser, which is applied to local farmland as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertiliser.
Council urges participation
Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: "I want to thank everyone who has been recycling their food waste and urge those who haven't yet started to get involved. It doesn't matter how little food waste you produce — just six recycled teabags can generate enough energy to boil the kettle for your next cuppa."
McCollom added that the food waste already collected is powering homes, businesses and vehicles while also supporting farmers. She encouraged residents to continue recycling to help divert food waste from landfill.
The video is available on Darlington Borough Council's website and YouTube, where further information about the food waste recycling scheme can also be found.
